York Boy Arrested Over Train Track 'Planking' Photo

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of trespassing on the railway after a picture was posted on the web of a teenager apparently taking part in a so-called planking incident on train tracks.

The photo of a teenage boy lying across railway tracks at a unknown location appeared on the Facebook page of the York Planking Association.

Planking is a craze for taking photos of people lying down in unusual places and then posting them on the web.

The shot of the blond youngster with his head on one rail and his feet on the other is one of dozens which have featured on the group's Facebook profile.

Another shows a youth apparently balanced on the parapet of the tower of a cathedral or church.

Experts have pointed out it is difficult to say whether such photos are real or have been digitally altered.

British Transport Police confirmed a 14-year-old boy had been arrested in connection with the railway photograph.

A spokeswoman said: "After the pictures were brought to our attention, we launched an investigation to identify the male involved.

"We would like to thank members of the public who came forward to identify the boy pictured, who was extremely lucky he wasn't killed or badly injured as a result of his behaviour but is now facing prosecution for his actions.''