BRITISH Transport Police are appealing for information after a woman came within centimetres of touching an electrified rail in Ellesmere Port.

The woman risked serious injury, or death, at Overpool train station shortly before 1pm on Friday, December 13.

Two women had been standing on the Ellesmere Port-bound platform talking to another woman, when one of the women climbed down onto the track.

She reached out towards the third rail, which had an electric current running through it, and came within centimetres of her hand touching it.

The woman then climbed back onto the platform and boarded a train to Ellesmere Port.

Police have now released a CCTV image of a woman they believe could help with their investigation. 

PC Wendy Simpson, investigating officer at BTP, said: “Trespassing on the railway is not only an offence, it is also an incredibly dangerous thing to do.

"In the last 10 years, almost 170 people have lost their lives trespassing on the railway.

"Taking a shortcut or messing around on the tracks can result in serious life-changing injuries or death."

Anyone who recognises the woman in the image should call BTP on 0800 405040, or text information to 61016, quoting incident number 264 of January 13.