BTP Steps Up Patrols in Anticipation of Railway Protests Against Israel's Detainment of Activists

btp car

BTP are issuing an urgent warning ahead of planned protest activity on the railway network this evening.

Officers are aware of information on social media suggesting protestors may be looking to target the railway network this evening, in response to Israel detaining activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla in the early hours of this morning. 

Several protests have been organised to take place at stations across UK railway network later this evening, with the group asking for activists to “block the tracks”.

BTP will be stepping up patrols at key stations across the network from this afternoon and working closely with rail industry partners including Network Rail to try and keep disruption to a minimum.

Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan said:“This is a direct appeal to anyone considering protesting on the railway network this evening – I urge you to think again.

“The railway is an incredibly dangerous environment and stepping onto railway tracks could very easily result in serious injury or death.

“Everyone has the right to protest, but anyone wishing to do so should not be thinking about putting their lives, or anyone else’s, at risk by doing so on the tracks.

“I’d like to also take this opportunity to remind protestors that trespassing is a criminal offence, and anyone responsible for unlawfully disrupting the network can expect to be arrested for obstructing the railway, a very serious offence which could lead to imprisonment.”