200 passengers jump off train and walk along tracks in Bristol

Police are trying to identify around 200 disgruntled rail passengers who stopped a crowded train, jumped off and walked along the tracks in Bristol.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when a number of students were making their way to a music festival. They decided to jump off the train after being told that it would not be stopping at Redland station because of overcrowding.

See also: UK's top 10 most crowded trains revealed

See also: 'Shocking' video of teens playing on train tracks released

The train stopped between Clifton Station and Redland station for 25 minutes and panicked passengers said they could not hear what the driver was saying.

Passengers were complaining of the heat, while others were suffering panic attacks, chanting: "Let us off, let us off."​

They reportedly then pulled the emergency cord to stop the train before continuing on foot along the tracks.

Bristol University newspaper Epigram News shared pictures of the scene on Twitter, along with a number of other onlookers:

One student, who was travelling to the Tokyo World Music Festival in Bristol, from the train told Epigram: "It was awful, I was trapped in the corner. I'm claustrophobic so I started panicking and I felt like I couldn't breathe. People around us were shouting to the guys nearest to the window to smash it open."

Another student said: "I'm glad we all got out when we did. The train driver should have either realised there were too many people and kicked us off at Clifton, or carried on to the next station before stopping."

However, BTP are now treating the incident as a "trespass incident".

A spokesman said: "On arrival it was established that, as the train came to a stop shortly after leaving Clifton railway station, the emergency cord had been pulled and people had got off the train and started to walk back towards the station.

"BTP officers at the scene helped to get the group off the line and to a place of safety.

"We are treating this as a trespass incident – one which caused numerous delays to services in the area and could have put lives in danger – and inquiries are currently underway to identify those involved."

Speaking to the Guardian, a spokesman for Great Western, the train operator, said the actions of the students put lives at risk: "These individuals put themselves and others at great risk, and inconvenienced hundreds of other people.

"The railway is a hazardous environment, which is why railway trespass is a criminal offence, carrying a maximum fine of £1,000. We will be assisting BTP in their inquiries."

And, speaking to the Metro, Julian Burnell, of Network Rail, agreed the actions had endangered lives, saying: "Railway lines are designed for trains, not people and are inherently dangerous places.

"The actions of this group of passengers, whatever their reasons, endangered not only themselves, but also their fellow passengers. We will be investigating."

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