'Illegal, irresponsible and highly dangerous' trespassing by adults and children alike has been seen on the railway track at Dawlish.

Network Rail says it's received a number of reports – including one where two people crossed the live railway tracks underneath Coastguard footbridge and climbed up onto Platform Two. They were seen by station staff and warned that they had put themselves at serious risk.

In another case, a driver had to stop his train because members of the public were walking along the track between Dawlish Warren and Dawlish – in the path of the oncoming train.

Another incident involved three people bypassing the safety fencing at the perimeter of the new sea wall construction site at Coastguard breakwater, climbing over construction equipment and walking through the working construction site, putting both themselves and railway workers at risk.

Network Rail has now installed extra fencing to try and keep people off the track, and is urging people walking between Dawlish and Dawlish Warren to follow the official diversion route via Rockstone footbridge and Exeter Road.

Alison Kramer, Community safety manager for Network Rail's Western route, said: "It is shocking to see this blatant disregard for their own and other people's safety.

"We appreciate some of our construction work can sometimes mean a diversion route needs to be put in place and this may cause disruption.

"However, these diversions and protective fencing are there to ensure people are kept safe and it is really disappointing to see this being so willingly disregarded by children, putting themselves in danger.

"We urge parents to educate their children about the severe consequences of illegally trespassing on the railway and encourage members of the public to report any trespassing incidents they witness."

Darren Burridge from British Transport Police said: "Each year, hundreds of people take risks on and around the railway. Trespassing can have serious, life-changing consequences for the individual, their loved ones and the wider community.

"We are continuing to proactively patrol the railway network across the country. Safety is our number one priority and we're working with Network Rail to remind everyone of the importance of taking care around the railway.

"Please, make sure you know the rail safety basics and pass that knowledge onto your loved ones. Lead by example and stay off the tracks."