BRITISH Transport Police have hit out at "reckless individuals" following two "very dangerous" railway incidents in Dunfermline.

They have issued urgent safety advice after a report of vandalism at Dunfermline Town station was followed, just a few hours later, by a wheelbarrow striking a train on the line.

The first incident, which took place at around 12.30pm on March 25, saw offenders trespass and drop wood and pieces of slab on the track.

Three trains then travelled over the objects, and that was followed at 4.50pm by a report of a weelbarrow hitting a train close to Dunfermline. Luckily, there was no damage to the train or injuries to people.

Officers are investigating and, keen to stress the serios dangers of interfering with the railways, Sergeant Derek Elder said: "These are all very dangerous incidents and I am thankful there weren’t more serious consequences.

"Trespassing in itself can pose grave danger to the reckless individuals involved. Railway lines are operational 24 hours a day and trespassing at any time of day can easily prove fatal.

"Throwing objects onto the tracks also puts both passengers and staff at significant risk, not to mention the thousands it can cost in repairs to trains and railway infrastructure."