Police warn tourists against straying onto Harry Potter railway viaduct

The Glenfinnan viaduct in the Highlands is popular with tourists Credit: PA

Tourists and Harry Potter fans hoping for a glimpse of the Hogwarts Express may be putting themselves in danger by wandering onto the railway viaduct featured in the film franchise.

British Transport Police (BTP) said there had been several reports of people seen on the tracks that cross the Glenfinnan viaduct in the Highlands, prompting a warning of the dangers of trespassing on railway lines.

During the summer a couple with a young child were seen running on the line near the viaduct, and in a separate incident two men were also spotted on the track taking photographs.

The viaduct is on the line of the Jacobite Steam Train and is featured in several of the Harry Potter films as the route of the Hogwarts Express.

The viaduct is used in the film franchise as the route of the Hogwarts Express Credit: Reuters

Nicky Ritchie, a constable with the BTP, said: "We know that visitors, many of them foreign, want to enjoy this incredibly scenic area and are keen to see and capture the trains, particularly steam trains, crossing what is without doubt a magnificent structure.

"However, they have to realise that they need to do it safely and without breaking the law.

"We have been working closely with Network Rail to advise local people, sightseers and tourists about the dangers of trespassing and the possibility of disrupting the rail network."

Mark Henderson, senior community engagement manager for Network Rail, said the company was working closely with the BTP to ensure people "fully understand the risk they face when straying onto operational railway land".