The child was seen riding on the back of a city tramOliver Pridmore, Harry Leach Senior reporter and Louis Corbett
18:23, 06 Jun 2025
The child riding on the back of a tram in Nottingham
A dangerous TikTok trend that ‘could result in death’ has been slammed after a child was filmed ‘tram surfing’ in Nottingham.
Nottingham Express Transit (NET), the city’s tram operator, has condemned the new online trend which involves people clinging on to moving trams – warning it could easily result in death or serious injury.
NottinghamshireLive shared footage of the child in school uniform holding onto the back of a tram when it travelled past Hyson Green Market stop on Thursday, June 5.
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The person who captured the short clip was heard shouting: “Oi, what are you doing? Get off the back of the [tram] you doughnut.”
Sarah Turner, managing director at NET, said: “We’re aware of the concerning influence of a ‘tram surfing’ TikTok trend which has caused a recent rise in a number of incidents involving young people who have been holding onto the back of a tram while it’s in motion.
“This is extremely dangerous behaviour that has very serious consequences and could result in death or serious injury – not something we’re taking lightly.
“All of the footage and videos we’ve received of such incidents have been shared with the police who are now handling it as a criminal matter.”
Ms Turner said those involved were not only putting their own lives at risk, but also tram drivers and the wider public.
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She added: “The safety of all our tram users, our tram drivers and the people of Nottingham will always be our priority.
“As such, we’re committed to ensuring this behaviour does not continue.
“Although incidents of this are usually very rare, anyone taking part in this trend, whether doing the challenge or filming it and sharing it online, is playing their part in publicising an extremely dangerous activity that ultimately could end someone’s life.
“We’d like to remind the public of our strong measures that are in place to keep our network safe, including high quality CCTV cameras in all trams and tram stops, which means that every incident is recorded and handed over to the authorities.
“Anyone caught engaging in dangerous activities such as tram surfing will face the very real repercussions of their actions.”