Youths trespassing on railway bridges put their lives at risk after they dismantled scaffolding near electric cables carrying 25,000 volts.

The scaffolding is being used during strengthening work on the historic bridges which cross the River Stour near Manningtree station.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "Had they touched one of the overhead lines with the scaffolding, they would have been electrocuted."

The lines carry 25,000 volts, said the spokesman. He said electricity could jump up to three metres, particularly in damp weather, adding: "It's lethal."

He said there was also the danger the youths, believed to be about 19 years old, could have fallen in the river or got stuck in the mud.

The spokesman said increased patrols were being carried out in the area and also along the branch line between Manningtree and Harwich after a lump of concrete was left on the rails.

People are also putting their lives at risk by illegally entering the old water tower near Manningtree station.

The spokesman said: "It's been boarded up several times but each time it's broken down. We think the area is being used as a short cut but there's a deep well there and if anyone falls down there, no-one would know."

The historic 98-year-old bridges, which cross the River Stour, carry the main line Liverpool Street to Norwich trains and are currently being strengthened and repainted at a cost of nearly £1 million.

The area is a site of special scientific interest and a special protected site so precautions are having to be taken.

The work is progressing in sections, with each completely enclosed to protect the river and surrounding environment from falling grit and paint.

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