YOUR report 'Ambushed' has ambushed the rail industry's work to counter trespass on the railway.

Contrary to the remarks of the North Yorkshire Police spokesperson the hunt supporters and apparently your photographer were in breach of the law because trespass remains a criminal offence on all railways.

Trespass - which too often results in the needless death of those who go on and about the railway - is dangerous. The rail industry's efforts to counter trespass are derailed by images which appear to suggest it is acceptable.

Why is it acceptable for your staff to trespass on a railway in pursuit of a story? Are you prepared to give equal coverage to put across the dangers of trespass on the railway?

Aidan Nelson,

Director policy & strategic

initiatives, Rail Safety & Standards Board,

Euston Road, London.

Editor's note: "The photograph was supplied to us by another news organisation and we are uncertain of the circumstances under which it was taken. In the past, we have covered stories highlighting the dangers of railway trespass and we continue to report on this problem as and when it becomes an issue".

Updated: 09:32 Friday, March 11, 2005