URGENT new safety measures are being demanded on the railway through Keighley after a man was struck by a train.

A property developer living close to the Airedale line says he has warned rail bosses several times of the dangers.

Dad-of-six Shahid Rasool says fencing was broken and people frequently diced with death by walking across the tracks.

He was speaking after a man in his 40s was hit by a train on the line close to Hard Ings Road.

The victim was seriously injured, but survived.

This week British Transport Police (BTP) revealed that less than 24 hours after the incident, officers were called out to reports of a man and a woman on the tracks in the same area.

Mr Rasool, 39, who lives close to the scene, says people cross the line as a short cut from the Showfield area to the retail park in Hard Ings Road.

"I see them all the time," he said.

"They just climb over the fencing.

"It's far too easy for them.

"I've reported it to Network Rail, but nothing has been done.

"What happened is awful and I just hope the guy is OK."

He described the horrific moment he realised something had occurred.

"The railway line is very near to my home," he said.

"I heard a train sound its horn and then a moment later there was a bang.

"It was terrible. I knew what had happened."

Emergency services were called out to the incident just after 6pm on Friday.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance, together with specialist paramedics from the hazardous area response team, a doctor and an ambulance crew, attended.

Officers from BTP and the West Yorkshire force were also at the scene.

The man was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary.

His injuries were described as serious, but non-life-threatening.

BTP says inquiries into why the man was on the tracks are ongoing.

A spokesman added: "The following day we received a report of a couple on the tracks at around 3pm, but when officers attended and searched the area the pair had left.

"With that in mind, I would like to reinforce the dangers of trespassing on the railway, which is an extremely dangerous environment.

"It might seem like a shortcut and the quickest way home, but it's dangerous, reckless and just not worth the risk.

"If you witness anyone trespassing on the line please contact us on 0800 405040 or dial 999."

Mr Rasool's calls for further action are being supported by Keighley Central ward district councillor, Zafar Ali.

"What's happened is appalling and naturally our thoughts are with the man involved," he said.

"It's extremely concerning that people are seemingly able to access the line so easily there.

"People are putting their lives in grave danger.

"I would urge them to consider the risk they are taking, and not do it.

"Network Rail has a responsibility to ensure safety measures are in place and it needs to examine what can be done, including improvements to the fencing."

Network Rail told the Keighley News that following the incident, repairs had been carried out to the fence.

But an area of fencing has been partly pulled down again.

A spokesman added: "This was a terrible incident and our thoughts are with the individual and train crews involved.

"We have repaired the fencing which allowed access to the tracks and would remind everyone of the importance of staying off the railway.

"We'd encourage anyone with concerns about railway infrastructure, including damaged fencing, to contact our national helpline on 03457 11 41 41."