A 16-year-old boy was electrocuted after being chased onto live train tracks by an armed gang, a court has heard in harrowing detail.

Ted Warne-Harvey was fleeing from a violent group of youths wielding a hammer and metal pole when he tripped and fell onto the electrified rail line near Westgate-on-Sea railway station in Kent, on September 26, 2021.

Moments earlier, Ted had been struck with a hammer, and the terrifying ordeal was captured on CCTV, jurors were told. After he fell, his body was seen visibly “smoking” from the electrocution, prompting a bystander to jump down and pull him to safety — a move that likely saved his life.

Youths Fled the Scene as Boy Lay on Tracks

Instead of helping, the gang — some aged as young as 15 — fled the scene, leaving the badly injured teenager lying on the railway line. Ted suffered life-changing burns and later required three operations, including plastic surgery, to treat his injuries.

Last week, Declan Stewart and James Odero, aged 16 and 17 at the time of the attack, were accused in court of “encouraging and assisting” the violence. Both have now been convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent alongside other members of the gang.

Previous Hit-and-Run Incident Left Ted Seriously Injured

Tragically, the court also heard that Ted had already endured a serious hit-and-run accident earlier that same year, while cycling along Blean Hill near Canterbury. Two cars hit him and left him bleeding and shaking at the side of the road before speeding away.

His father, Stuart Harvey, 53, recalled receiving a distressing phone call from Ted just 20 minutes after speaking to him earlier that evening.

“He was screaming in pain, saying he’d been hit by a car. I rushed to find him lying on the curb, covered in blood.”

Ted was rushed to Margate hospital, where doctors discovered he had sustained multiple fractures to his foot, ankle, leg, arm, wrist and hand.

Teen Left Traumatised but Alive

Ted, who was described by his parents as a lively and active boy who enjoyed boxing, drumming, and cycling, is still recovering physically and emotionally from both horrific incidents.

His parents, Stuart and Laura Harvey, have expressed relief that their son survived, but are calling for tougher measures against youth violence and justice for the hit-and-run drivers, who remain unidentified and at large.

Call for Justice

“Ted could have been killed — not once, but twice. Something has to change,” Mr Harvey said.
“We’re grateful he’s alive, but no child should suffer like this.”

The court heard that the attack near the train station was a deliberate and violent act, with clear intent to harm. Ted’s burn injuries from the electric rail were among the most serious doctors had seen in a young person, prosecutors added.

Justice Served — But Questions Remain

As the convictions bring some closure to the Warne-Harvey family, questions remain over how such youth violence continues to plague communities, and why early warning signs were missed.