Yobs throw missile in front of moving train

Yobs caused £10,000 worth of damage and put lives at risk when they hurled a heavy object at a train passing through Staffordshire, police said today.

A windscreen was broken and police patrols are being stepped up to prevent any further incidents. British Transport Police officers are appealing for witnesses after the unidentified object was thrown at the front of a train.

The heavy item was thrown just after the train passed through Meaford level crossing in Stone, severely damaging the train's windscreen.

Sgt Gary Matthews, investigating the incident, said: "The train was passing through the area close to Meaford foot crossing, and near to the A520, at 3.48pm on Wednesday, when an unknown object is believed to have been launched at the train from a nearby bridge.

"The windscreen was chipped and the damage has been estimated at a cost £10,000.

"The railway is such a dangerous environment, trains cannot stop quickly or swerve, and are often not seen or heard until it is too late. Trains travelling at top speed can take the length of 20 football pitches to come to a complete stop.

"I am appealing to parents and adults to emphasise the dangers to your children and if you live near the railway, ask yourself if you know where your children are playing."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 quoting reference B7/NW of 22/09/2011. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

There have been a number of incidents of missiles being thrown at trains in the West Midlands over recent years.

British Transport Police officers have run special patrols in areas where there have been frequent incidents and problems with trespassing on the tracks.