Trains targeted in ‘incredibly dangerous’ attacks from bridge, warns operator
Trains have been damaged, with one sustaining a smashed windscreen.
Rocks and a scooter have been thrown at trains in a spate of “incredibly dangerous” attacks from a bridge above a 120mph railway line, an operator said.
The first recorded incident resulted in a train being damaged after a large scooter was hurled off the pedestrian bridge near Loughborough station, Leicestershire, on February 3, according to East Midlands Railway (EMR).
On February 16, a number of items of builders’ waste and masonry were dropped onto the track from the bridge, and a rock was thrown at a train.
A day later, another object was thrown from the bridge, smashing a train’s windscreen.
The incidents on the bridge, which connects Allsopp’s Lane with Little Moor Lane, affected 21 services and caused a total of more than three-and-a-half hours of delays.
Trains are permitted to travel under the bridge at speeds of up to 120mph.
EMR community safeguarding and security manager, Danielle Clarke, said: “These acts are not pranks or a bit of harmless fun, but incredibly dangerous crimes that put customers and staff at serious risk of injury or worse.
“They also lead to trains being damaged, delayed, and services being cancelled.
“Even though we are putting measures in place to help address the issue, the public can also play a really important role.
“If they see any items being thrown at trains or someone placing objects on the track, they should contact British Transport Police (BTP) by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.”
Network Rail head of operations delivery, Dan Matthews, said: “These acts of vandalism not only put lives at serious risk but also cause significant disruption to our rail network.
“We work closely with train operators like EMR, and British Transport Police, to prevent such incidents and catch those responsible.
“We urge anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour on or around our railways to report it immediately.
“The safety of passengers and railway staff is our top priority, and we will not tolerate actions that compromise this.”
The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported earlier this month that some train drivers were refusing to operate services between Cambridge and Cambridge North stations because of a spate of shootings.
An image appeared to show a train window damaged by a metal ball bearing or airgun pellet, according to the newspaper.
