Video: Cyclist almost hit by train after forcing his way through level crossing gates

Police are investigating an incident in which a cyclist forced his way through closed barriers at a level crossing in south west London and was almost hit by a train.

The footage, originally posted by Twitter user Laughingcow4, was widely shared on the social network after being retweeted by broadcaster Jeremy Vine.

The level crossing at North Sheen today. Mate, the barrier is there for a reason. pic.twitter.com/LDlm2nLFRU
(via @laughingcow4)

— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) May 11, 2017

Vine added: “And when this jerk has to be scraped off the front of a train, the poor driver needs counselling for years.”

The footage was shot at North Sheen station, with one onlooker who urged the man to stop receiving the reply, “I don’t f*cking care, mate.”

He then gesticulated angrily at the train as it passed within inches of him, with the driver sounding the horn.

Laughingcow4, said that the train driver performed an emergency stop, meaning that the crossing became blocked and the man, whom he described as “very aggressive,” had to carry his bike over the footbridge.

South West Trains has confirmed that British Transport Police, which regularly underlines the importance of waiting at level crossings when the barrier is down, are investigating.