Teenager lies on railway tracks as train speeds over the top of him

A teenager in Italy has escaped with his life and legs in tact after purposely lying on railway tracks as a train speeds over the top of him.

Knowing that his stunt is likely to be disbelieved, the teenager even went to the trouble of filming the heart stopping antic by hoisting a camera onto a fence looking over the tracks.

The unnamed teen then positions himself in the centre of the tracks and lies down head first before raising his hands and giving a 'come on' motion to the incoming train.

Seconds later the train can be seen tearing down the tracks before speeding directly over the youngster. It takes a total of eight seconds for the train to completely clear the tracks.

After he's sure the train has passed, the teen – who is remarkably still in one piece - stands up and brushes himself off.

The teen is yet to be identified and it is unknown if he will face any charges.

It has been speculated the teenager may belong to an amateur special effects group called 'Double Shot Studios'.