Runaway tortoise causes train delays after trespassing on tracks

By Imogen Howse via SWNS

A tortoise was caught 'trespassing' on train tracks last week - before it hitched a lift to the nearest station.

The pet animal, named Solomon, was spotted "moving at pace" on the line towards Bagshot, Surrey after escaping from his owner's nearby home.

Network Rail arranged for a train heading into Ascot to be held while its on-the-ground teams rescued mischievous Solomon, who was later referred to as a "trespasser of an unusual nature".

Solomon then got to travel on the train into Ascot Station, where arrangements had been made for him to be taken to a vet in Staines.

However, the tortoise's owner was able to come and collect him and take him home unharmed.

Network Rail poked fun at the situation on X, referring to Solomon as a "shellebrity" and telling a user that he had "shelled out for a ticket."

However, the organization also used the incident to emphasize the importance of safety around railways.

A spokesperson said: "We are sorry to any passengers who were disrupted during this incident.

"While we are delighted that this story has a happy ending and can reassure passengers that our 'everyone home safe, every day' ambitions extend to pets, we must remind everyone that the railway is dangerous.

"Trains need several football pitches to stop from full speed and there are less obvious dangers such as the, always on, electrified third rail.

"We also ask that our lineside neighbors ensure that their fencing is secure to prevent human, or animal incursions onto the track."

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