A "reckless" man cheated death by inches after he forced his way through closed barriers at a level crossing and narrowly avoided being hit by a train.

The man escaped death as he crossed at around 6am on May 5 at Brimsdown Level Crossing in Enfield.

British Transport Police have used him as an example of about level crossing safety following the concerning near miss.

Inspector Stephen Webster said: “This was a completely needless incident, and one that requires our attention and an investigation at a time when officers could be supporting the latest guidance around Covid-19, and helping to keep the travelling public safe.

“The warning signs, barriers and flashing lights are all there for a reason. Some trains travel at high speed, and one that you think is in the distance could be bearing down on you in seconds.

“This incident could have very easily gone the other way, as it has in the past, and this man may not have returned home to his loved ones.

"Don’t ignore the small wait it takes for a train to pass, don’t risk your life.”

Rebecca Crocker, Network Rail's community safety manager for Anglia, added: "This was reckless behaviour in which this person could easily have lost their life. Just a trip or fall and this could have ended very differently.

“It really isn't worth taking a risk like this in order to save a few minutes."

Officers are carrying out enquiries into the incident.