CHILDREN in south east London have been warned not to use railway lines as “adventure playgrounds”.

Railtrack says Slade Green and Kidbrooke are two of the worst affected areas for children on the tracks.

Last year there were 39 incidents of youngsters on tracks at Slade Green and 20 at Kidbrooke.

Southern operations manager David Pape said: “Without exception, children put themselves at risk of being electrocuted or being hit by a train.

“The consequences are immediate and often fatal, as the chances of a train stopping in time are nil.”

Now the company has announced a number of measures to combat this and has teamed up with Charlton Athletic to run football in the community sessions.

“Undercover spy” trains, with links to the British Transport Police, will also patrol looking for trespassers.

Train operator Connex has backed Railtrack's campaign and warns parents and children of the dangers of straying onto the 750 volt live rail.