Police issue warning to train vandals

British Transport Police have issued a warning against vandals attacking train drivers with stones they will face prison when caught.

The driver of the Manchester Piccadilly to Plymouth service was lucky enough to prevent a collision with some concrete blocks.

But, the driver’s luck changed when he got out of his cab to investigate. He was hit by stones thrown by people on a nearby bridge.

This is not the first time a train travelling through the Bristol region has faced the dangers of objects left on the track. The latest incident in Worle - 25 miles outside the city - was the third in February.

In the first incident, the London Paddington to Exeter service suffered minor damage after hitting objects on the track. Four days later, engineering staff spotted concrete on the line and moved it before the next train arrived.

It is the job of the British Transport Police (BTP) to deal with incidents on the railways across England, Wales and Scotland.

Police patrols have been increased in the area and police are appealing for help in finding the offenders.

Inspector Andy Irwin-Porter of BTP warned those responsible for the acts of vandalism could face life imprisonment if their actions led to the injury or death.

He said: “These are extremely serious offences which could have devastating consequences. I would urge people living and working in the Worle area, between Moor Lane and Summer Lane, to report anything suspicious to BTP immediately.

“These are reckless acts of vandalism. We cannot emphasise strongly enough the dangers associated with this type of crime and the possible catastrophic consequences.”

Meanwhile, the train drivers’ union is calling for the introduction of new technology to help combat the problem. Aslef believe a device called TrackMaster would cut, and possibly eliminate, accidents caused by obstructions on the line.

The device gives the driver real-time video information of any hazard points on the track ahead. It sends pictures from one or more cameras to a monitor in the train cab via infrared laser. The driver is made aware of an obstruction two miles before the train arrives at that point.

The union argues the technology “offers the potential for massive increases in safety” and the evidence is “overwhelming”.

The driver of the train through Bristol was fortunate enough to see the obstruction time. What happened afterwards was less so.

* Anyone with information should contact the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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