Children have been spotted playing the deadly game at a railway station in Johnstone where a young couple died four years ago.

David Forbes, a 29-year-old from Renfrew, and his girlfriend, Natalie Miller, 25, of Paisley, were killed when they were hit by a train at Milliken Park Station on October 12, 2011.

Now youths are putting their lives at risk by taking part in twisted dares which sees them ‘stare down’ a train at the last minute before leaping to avoid the deadly impact.

Inspector Gary Brown, a British Transport Police (BTP) officer with responsibility for policing the area around Milliken Park Station, told The Gazette: “Route crime, including trespassing on the railway, is a stupid activity. It is not only illegal it is extremely dangerous to the individual committing the offence and others using the rail network.

“We are grateful this had been brought to our attention and BTP officers will be working closely with our partners to educate children about these dangers and the consequences of their actions. We will be increasing patrols in the area and contacting the local schools to arrange a railway safety awareness input to pupils.” It is feared the youngsters are being egged on by pals to take part in the deadly game as part of a horrifying trend on YouTube.

Alarmingly, the game of chicken appears to be common among teens, particularly with the rise of ‘daredevil’ challenges being uploaded onto social media channels.

There are a number of videos online showing youngsters engaged in a game of chicken, which involves daring each other to jump onto roads and railway tracks.

The issue was brought up at a recent meeting at Johnstone Community Council (JCC) with members pushing for children to be ‘educated’ on the dangers.

Ron Ewing, secretary of JCC, said: “The children really need to be educated on this matter, and by educated, I mean they need a boot up the bum.

“Not only are you putting yourself at risk of being hit by a train but there’s also the electricity matter.

“It’s scary, you don’t get a second chance and if there’s just a split second of something going wrong, you’re dead meat.” Cllr Derek Bibby, who represents the area, also expressed concerns after residents witnessed youngsters playing chicken with trains and traffic on Beith Road.

He said: “I am extremely concerned at reports that children are indulging in such highly dangerous and reckless behaviour.

“This stretch of the railway line has in the recent past seen fatal accidents and the speed at which trains travel through the station means that anyone playing on the line will have no chance of survival.

“I am also asking that local schools and parents emphasise to their children the very real dangers of this behaviour and to stay away from the railway.” Anyone with information about offences being committed on the railway is urged to contact BTP immediately on 0800 40 50 40 or by texting 61016.

Children have been spotted playing the deadly game at a railway station in Johnstone where a young couple died four years ago.

David Forbes, a 29-year-old from Renfrew, and his girlfriend, Natalie Miller, 25, of Paisley, were killed when they were hit by a train at Milliken Park Station on October 12, 2011.

Now youths are putting their lives at risk by taking part in twisted dares which sees them ‘stare down’ a train at the last minute before leaping to avoid the deadly impact.

Inspector Gary Brown, a British Transport Police (BTP) officer with responsibility for policing the area around Milliken Park Station, told The Gazette: “Route crime, including trespassing on the railway, is a stupid activity. It is not only illegal it is extremely dangerous to the individual committing the offence and others using the rail network.

“We are grateful this had been brought to our attention and BTP officers will be working closely with our partners to educate children about these dangers and the consequences of their actions. We will be increasing patrols in the area and contacting the local schools to arrange a railway safety awareness input to pupils.” It is feared the youngsters are being egged on by pals to take part in the deadly game as part of a horrifying trend on YouTube.

Alarmingly, the game of chicken appears to be common among teens, particularly with the rise of ‘daredevil’ challenges being uploaded onto social media channels.

There are a number of videos online showing youngsters engaged in a game of chicken, which involves daring each other to jump onto roads and railway tracks.

The issue was brought up at a recent meeting at Johnstone Community Council (JCC) with members pushing for children to be ‘educated’ on the dangers.

Ron Ewing, secretary of JCC, said: “The children really need to be educated on this matter, and by educated, I mean they need a boot up the bum.

“Not only are you putting yourself at risk of being hit by a train but there’s also the electricity matter.

“It’s scary, you don’t get a second chance and if there’s just a split second of something going wrong, you’re dead meat.” Cllr Derek Bibby, who represents the area, also expressed concerns after residents witnessed youngsters playing chicken with trains and traffic on Beith Road.

He said: “I am extremely concerned at reports that children are indulging in such highly dangerous and reckless behaviour.

“This stretch of the railway line has in the recent past seen fatal accidents and the speed at which trains travel through the station means that anyone playing on the line will have no chance of survival.

“I am also asking that local schools and parents emphasise to their children the very real dangers of this behaviour and to stay away from the railway.” Anyone with information about offences being committed on the railway is urged to contact BTP immediately on 0800 40 50 40 or by texting 61016.