THRILL-seeking youngsters have been playing a potentially fatal game of "chicken" by ducking down in a deep drain between railway lines as 70mph trains pass over their heads.

The teenagers, some as young as 13, climbed into the drain between the tracks and ducked their heads, often with only seconds to spare.

Four youngsters were spotted "taking turns" at the deadly dare on a stretch of track by Moses Gate station, Farnworth.

A train driver saw them and reported the incident. British Transport Police are investigating and said they had received similar reports.

Appealing to local parents to keep an eye on their children, Chief Inspector Peter Holden said the incident defied belief.

He said: "We get children who treat the railway as an adventure playground. They risk their lives by playing 'chicken' on the tracks."

The drain is in a stone-filled area between two tracks carrying trains to and from Salford Crescent.

Police believe the youngsters were taking it in turns to open the drain's metal cover and hide inside before pulling the cover back over their heads as a train passed. It has now been sealed.

Chief Insp Holden said: "We have got to stress to parents that they have got to know where their children are playing at nights. One of these types of incidents could lead to a fatality."

Police are also investigating reports of children standing against the wall of the railway tunnel at Farnworth before being blown back against the wall as a train passes, again "for kicks".

Inspector Graham Barrow said: "Kids seem to be getting their kicks out of being pushed back against the wall by air pressure from a passing train. We have been told that it is the thrill factor. Every officer dreads a child being killed."

Councillors in Farnworth and nearby Burnden have also criticised the children and say parents need to be warned. Cllr James Lord said: "A fatality could happen at any time. The sooner this gets stopped the better."

Cllr Donald Eastwood is going to contact local schools and ask teachers to warn of the dangers. He said: "We can't watch them all the time, but we can try to tell them how stupid these games are."

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "We urge parents to make sure their children understand the grave dangers of playing near a railway."

Anyone with information can contact the British Transport Police on 0800 405040, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.