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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Ian Croll

Man risks his life performing dangerous ‘train surfing’ stunt

Video footage shows a man risking his life as he takes part in a dangerous stunt known as ‘train surfing.’

Footage, which was posted to YouTube, shows Kain Hogg, 21, standing on the coupler between two carriages while the Merseyrail train travels at speed.

The video shows Hogg going undetected by rail staff as he climbs up a ladder in between two carriages to reach the top of the train.

The 21-year-old recorded the incident himself with the aid of a selfie stick and can be seen attempting the dangerous stunt a number of times.

A spokesman for Merseyrail called the footage 'concerning' and said the transport operator would be working with British Transport Police to take 'appropriate action'.

In one ‘train surfing’ attempt, Mr Hogg revealed how things got ‘sketchy’ as he almost ‘slipped’.

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He also admitted how at one point his coat got stuck to the gangway connector with a bridge only half a mile away.

Mr Hogg said: “I train surfed on March 2. I’ve been doing climbing and adrenaline based activities for almost four years.

“I do the train surfing because it gives me the right amount of adrenaline and not that many people can say they’ve been on top of a train while it’s been in transit. It’s a very dangerous thing to do, one slip and I’m gone, literally.”

Mr Hogg, who describes himself as an 'adrenaline addict', added: “Train surfing in the UK is definitely not sustainable so I won’t be carrying on doing it. I’ve had a few near misses when climbing and a few near falls when surfing vehicles.

“I’ve done this for a long time, I know what I’m doing but nobody can prepare for an accident to happen. That’s why it’s so dangerous."

Greg Suligowski, Head of Communications at Merseyrail, said: “It is extremely concerning to see this video which appears to show an individual trespassing on the railway, placing themselves and others at significant risk.

“We will be working closely with British Transport Police to identify those involved so that appropriate action can be taken.

“The non-public areas of the railway can be a very dangerous environment and I would urge people not to attempt to access them under any circumstances.”

British Transport Police have condemned the ‘train surfing’ incident after the video emerged online.

Chief Inspector Dave Rams said: “Officers are aware of a video on social media showing a man ‘train-surfing’ on a train in Merseyside and are currently investigating.

“So called ‘train-surfing’ is incredibly dangerous and can very easily result in death or serious injury.

“It is beyond comprehension that someone would risk their life in this way for a social media video.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 344 of 04/03/21.

Want to tell us about something going on where you live? Email: ian.croll@reachplc.com

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