Passengers using Warwick station are being urged to stay off the tracks during its multi-million pound accessibility upgrade.

Work started earlier this year to install new lifts which resulted in the subway linking the two platforms being closed.

A diversionary route around the outside of the station is in place to provide access to trains at both platforms.

However it has led to a "worrying" rise in people dangerously crossing the tracks to take a short cut to the opposite platform.

Since May, there have been 10 reported cases of people cutting across the live railway lines to get between platforms.

Network Rail said this is likely to be much higher as these are just the cases which have been reported.

Dozens of passenger and freight trains travel through the station every day, at speeds of up to 100mph.

Patrollers are now operating at Warwick station while the work takes place to help passengers follow the correct walking route, explain the dangers involved with crossing the tracks and stop people trespassing.

Network Rail, Chiltern Railways and British Transport Police are urging people to stay on the platforms and use the clearly signed diversion and not put their lives at risk by trespassing.

Elinor Weymouth, scheme project manager from Network Rail, said: "Trespass causes issues for everyone using the railway – and there is the very real risk of life-changing injuries or death if those doing it were to be hit by a train.

"The diversion route is necessary while we install new lifts at Warwick station, which make the railway more accessible for everyone. We're sorry for the disruption but please, follow the diversion and keep yourself and others safe. A short cut is not worth risking your life for."

The work at Warwick station is part of a multi-million-pound investment by Network Rail which will see two new lifts installed in the existing subway as part of the government's Access for All scheme.

They will provide step-free access for passengers using platforms 1 and 2 for the first time.

The lifts will improve access to the railway, helping people with reduced mobility, families, prams, and heavy luggage get to and from their trains.

Works started in March 2023 and is expected to be completed Spring 2024.

Trespass or any railway-related crime can be reported by texting 61016, calling the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or, in an emergency, dialling 999.