RAIL enthusiasts are being warned to keep off the railway when the world's most iconic locomotive visits Hampshire this weekend.

The upcoming Wessex tour comes after hundreds of train lovers were left frustrated after the famous engine was blocked by a South Western Railway service at Romsey station.

The Flying Scotsman will leave London Victoria on June 1 in the morning where it will travel to Salisbury, arrive in Southampton in the afternoon before returning to London Victoria in the evening.

Network Rail and British Transport Police issued this warning following a series of illegal trespass incidents across the country, as well as dangerous drone operation.

Trespassers caused nearly 60 services to be delayed in the Midlands for a total of 1,000 minutes when the Flying Scotsman was travelling between Burton-upon-Trent and Tamworth earlier this month.

The railway in the Southern region is also largely electrified using a ground-level conductor rail, which is always switched on and can seriously injure or kill anyone who comes into contact with it.

Network Rail and British Transport Police warn residents it is illegal to fly a drone on, over or within 50 metres of the railway. This could result in being taken to court and face a penalty of up to £2,500.

David Dickson, chief operating officer for Network Rail’s Wessex route, said: "Unfortunately, we have experienced serious incidents of illegal trespass on the railway when Flying Scotsman has been touring, putting lives at risk and causing delays for tens of thousands of passengers.

"We will be working closer than ever with British Transport Police and train operating companies to make sure everyone can safely enjoy the experience and the joy this iconic piece of British engineering brings."

Network Rail, British Transport Police and train operating companies will have extra staff at stations, officers on-board the train and mounted cameras to capture any people trespassing.

Inspector Andy Jackson from British Transport Police, said: "We understand that the Flying Scotsman generates lots of interest and we know the journey throughout the Wessex region will see thousands head to the railway to see this historic engine pass.

"Despite previous warnings, people have ignored our advice and illegally trespassed on the tracks. This is not acceptable and we will always work hard to identify offenders and take appropriate actions.

"I would remind everyone that the railway is a hazardous environment, and no one should be putting their lives at risk to take photos."

The locomotive will start its journey on May 30 when it tours the Surrey Hills.