Schoolboy, 12, dices with death as he lies down on TRAM TRACKS

A shocking picture has emerged of a boy risking his life by lying on a tram track in front of his friends.

The child, believed to be around 12 years old, can be seen casually lying on the tracks but transport bosses have called the stunt 'foolish'.

A commuter took the image at Wythenshawe Park station in Greater Manchester last month.

A shocking picture has emerged of a boy risking his life by lying on a tram track in front of his friends (pictured) at Wythenshawe Park station in Greater Manchester

Five other children can also be seen dangling their legs over the side of the platform.  

The photographer taking the image said the boy ran across the tracks and started abusing him and hitting the side of the tram.

The photogr

A spokesman for Transport for Greater Manchester, the body responsible for the city's tram network, said: 'We would strongly discourage such behaviour and, as foolish and unadvisable as this is, thankfully there was no tram present or approaching, meaning no injuries to anyone and no impact to services. 

'We advise against sitting over the platform edge given the associated dangers associated with that.

'Through our operator, the TravelSafe Unit and partners we do a lot of work to combat anti-social behaviour on the network - whether that is intelligence-lead, proactive operations or engagement and educational programmes.

'We are committed to ensuring everyone who uses Metrolink enjoys a pleasant travel experience and will continue to work with all agencies to make people feel safe and deter criminality.' 

A spokesman for Transport for Greater Manchester, the body responsible for the city's tram network, said: 'Lying on the tram tracks during operational hours is reckless' (File photo) 

Last year Greater Manchester Police launched the Travelsafe Unit, a dedicated team of 16 police constables, police community support officers, special constables and security personnel providing patrols of the region's transport networks.

Chief Superintendent John O'Hare said at the time: 'The public transport network in Greater Manchester has grown considerably as has the number of people travelling on it. 

'Unfortunately this can also attract criminals or inconsiderate people who, by acting in an antisocial manner, can make others feel intimidated.'

According to the Metrolink website: 'The safety and security of our customers and bau das dicas staff is of the highest priority.'

Every tram is fitted with passenger emergency call points linked to the driver and all platforms are equipped with an emergency call point providing direct contact with the Metrolink control room.

The Metrolink system is regularly patrolled by the Metrolink unit of Greater Manchester Police.

Angry commuters have taken to social media to complain about similar incidents on the tram network. 

Sean Xander, from Manchester, said: 'I'm sick of kids disrupting tram services, especially in the evenings.'

Karen Jones, from Oldham, wrote on social media: 'At 12 he should be aware of the dangers and if not [he] needs teaching them.' 

The Metrolink system is regularly patrolled by the Metrolink unit of Greater Manchester Police (File photo)