Teen train surfers identified by police

Three teenagers have been identified as those involved in a train surfing incident in Upper Hutt on March 8.

Constable Sarah Ferguson of Hutt Valley Tactical Crime Unit said the three teens had been referred to Youth Aid for follow-up.

"Hutt Valley Police take such extreme recklessness in personal safety very seriously, and are committed in working with KiwiRail and the community to prevent similar situations," she said.

"The very nature of railways means that a lapse in judgement, or simply caving into peer pressure, can have severe consequences and the Railways Act 2005 has clear guidelines regarding the required behaviour from individuals."

Two males were seen holding onto the rear of a train outside Manor Park in Upper Hutt, and were filmed by a witness in a car.

Ms Ferguson said social media had played a role in identifying the suspects, and thanked the community for their help. However, she said social media could also encourage copycat acts.

KiwiRail Metro General Manager, David Shepherd said KiwiRail would liaise with police over reparation.

"KiwiRail takes incidents like these very seriously and has robust systems in place to help us identify trespassers and follow up with police to then prosecute within the full extent of the law.

"These youths are lucky to be alive after pulling such a dangerous stunt".

Manager of TrackSAFE NZ Megan Drayton said trespassing on the rail corridor was the leading cause of public railway fatalities in New Zealand.

"Trains, particularly the electric ones in Auckland and Wellington, are deceptively quiet and so we urge people to only cross at level crossings, where protections such as signs or signals are in place to keep them safe."