A TRAIN had to screech to a halt when two teenagers dicing with death darted out in front of it.

Two youths ran out across the track at a Hampshire level crossing and were just inches away from being flattened by the passing train.

The South West train carrying passengers had to slam on its emergency brakes so it could stop in time.

Now British Transport Police have launched an investigation and have appealed for people with any information to get in touch.

The near miss took place at 11.15am when two teenagers aged about 14 or 15 on their school holidays ran out across the tracks by Mottisfont and Dunbridge rail station, near Romsey.

The driver of the 10.07am service from Romsey to Salisbury was luckily travelling at a relatively low speed because it had just left the station.

But after the driver caught sight of the youngsters, he had to use the emergency brakes.

The driver called his controller, who called the police and then carried on with his shift.

There were no injuries to the passengers or the driver caused by the force of the braking.

Inspector Mick Morriss, of British Transport Police, said: “ “This was incredibly dangerous behaviour that could have had far worse consequences and I am urging anyone with any information to get in touch.

“We want everyone to enjoy their school holidays but remember that the railway tracks are not a playground because trains can’t swerve and they can’t stop suddenly.”

Anyone with any information about the incident, which took place on Wednesday should call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident 167.