Police name 11-year-old electrocuted on railway track while out with friends

  • Anglia

Friends who were with an 11-year-old boy who died from serious electrical burns at a Northamptonshire depot are being offered support by the police.

Harrison Ballantyne died at the Daventry International Rail Freight Depot shortly after 5pm on Tuesday afternoon, when he came into contact with electricity from an overhead line.

It's not yet known how the group of friends ended up on the railway tracks.

Emergency services responded immediately but they were unable to save Harrison.

His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time.

A second person was taken to hospital after suffering injuries and is now recovering following hospital treatment.

The British Transport Police have now launched an investigation to establish the full cause of the incident.

Harrison's death is currently being treated as unexplained and an extensive investigation is now underway.

Emergency services rushed to the scene but sadly, nothing could be done to save him. Credit: ITV News Anglia

It's not the first time officers have dealt with trespassers on the tracks near Daventry.

Police have now issued a stark warning to people over the dangers of railways and are urging parents to be vigilant of youths on the tracks.

Superintendent Chris Hodgkiss said: “As well as investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, our focus is also on preventing any other children from coming to harm in a similar way."

“With that in mind, I would urge all parents to remind their children about the dangers of trespassing on the railway, which is an extremely dangerous environment."

“We understand youngsters, particularly during the summer with lighter evenings, may be drawn to the railway but they are real tracks, with real trains and real life consequences – be smart and stay away.”