THE Flying Scotsman is set to arrive in Carlisle this afternoon.

Organisers West Coast Railways have confirmed the world-famous steam locomotive will pull into the Citadel station after lunchtime today (Wednesday, December 4).

A spokesman from the rail company told the News & Star: "The Flying Scotsman train ought to be arriving into Carlisle at about 1.14pm today, and departing at 3.18pm.

"It ought to be passing Penrith North Lakes at about 4.06pm."

The train departed from Manchester Victoria this morning, and will return there later this evening.

However, train spotters have been warned to stay safe and keep off the tracks.

The message from Network Rail and British Transport Police comes after recent dangerous and illegal behaviour during tours of Flying Scotsman elsewhere in the country.

Photographs shared online showed crowds of people, including young children, illegally trespassing on the tracks and stood in the path of oncoming trains.

Trespass on the railway is a criminal offence with up to a £1,000 fine.

Train obstruction is also against the law with a penalty of up to two years in prison.

Vicki Beadle, operations risk advisor from Network Rail said: “Trespassing on or near the tracks is incredibly dangerous, as well as being illegal and we work closely with British Transport Police to tackle this.

"There is never an excuse to trespass on the railway and this type of behaviour can have devastating life-changing and even fatal consequences.”

Chief Inspector Gareth Davies, from British Transport Police, said: “Seeing the Flying Scotsman is an exciting event for many people and we want everyone to be able to have a great day out.

“Our priority is the safety of everyone viewing and travelling on the train, and our officers will be along the route and at stations to ensure everyone can enjoy the event without putting themselves or others in danger.

“Please remember to use safe vantage points to view and take pictures of the train, stay clear of the line, and do not risk serious injury or death by trespassing on the tracks.

“It is important to remember that the railway is an extremely hazardous environment and those caught trespassing or obstructing trains can expect to be prosecuted.”