Train delayed due to people trying to hang flags from bridges, passenger says

A train was disrupted due to people being lowered over bridges to hang flags, a passenger has said.

The East Midlands Railway service – from Nottingham to London St Pancras – came to a stop on the approach to Market Harborough station in Leicestershire on Thursday night.

Noel Dolphin, a railway electrification expert, posted on social media to say his train was delayed due to people “being lowered over bridge parapets [safety barriers] to attach flags”.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers attended the scene but found no “trace of the individuals”.

After hearing the onboard announcement, Mr Dolphin wrote: “I do not want to jump into the flag debate, but my train is delayed due to ‘people being lowered over bridge parapets to attach flags’.”

Parapets are fitted to the side of bridges to prevent people falling accidentally.

He said speed restrictions were temporarily imposed before the service continued.

Mr Dolphin added the reason for the delay was “bonkers”, considering the dangers posed by overhead electric wires.

The incident was reported to BTP.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Officers attended the location, and there was no trace of the individuals.”

St George and union jack flags have been hung up in public places across several locations in England in recent weeks.

The movement gathered pace on social media, with the name Operation Raise the Colours, with those behind it saying they were motivated by pride and patriotism.

Others have expressed discomfort due to tensions running high across England over immigration and the St George cross often being used to promote far-right groups.

Network Rail also investigated after receiving a report of trespassers, but did not find anything untoward, the PA news agency reported.

A spokesperson added: “People are reminded that trespassing on the railway and placing objects on or near the railway infrastructure not only endangers lives but can also cause significant disruption to train services.

“Safety is our top priority, and we urge everyone to stay clear of the railway for their own safety and that of others.”