YOUNG children are putting their lives at risk by playing near a dangerous river and crossing live railway tracks in Droitwich Spa.

Children have been seen gathering and playing by the Salwarpe River at the back of Impney Park by concerned residents who fear it will not be long before someone is seriously injured.

To get to the river the reckless youngsters cross the Droitwich to Bromsgrove rail line that is behind Impney Way, off Hanbury Road.

It is believed that the children come from the estate that backs onto the river to play and meet under the bridge that supports the rail line.

After crossing the tracks behind the estate, they then get to the river which is also potentially dangerous. Children have been seen swimming in the summer months according to some residents.

One concerned woman resident who lives near the site said: "I am very scared that someone will be killed. It is very dangerous. They are playing with their lives.

"I have told the police but they have just said to call them if I see something again."

The resident also feels it is a shame they don't play elsewhere and believes that parents should know what their children are up to and where they are.

She added: "I have even seen a wet jumper washed up by the river. That is very scary, I thought someone had drowned. I called the police but they found nothing. The jumper was only for a child aged ten."

A Droitwich Spa police spokesman said that even though they had not been made aware of any recent problems they still urged people not to cross the lines or play near or in the river.

The spokesman said: "We would urge young people not to do either of these things. Equally, we would ask all parents to make themselves fully aware of where their children are - and what they are doing - at all times."

A spokesman for British Transport Police added: "We will be looking into the problem and will be speaking to nearby residents about the situation.

"We will also look into the possibility of getting new fencing put up around the tracks."