VANDALS who threw a brick through a train windscreen put passengers' lives in danger, police have said. The brick narrowly missed the driver after it was thrown at the train from the County Road North flyover, west Hull, smashing the windscreen.
British Transport Police have increased patrols in the area after the near-miss. PC Mark Lambert, who is investigating the crime, said: "Fortunately, on this occasion, no one was injured as a result. However, the consequences could have been far worse.
"This was an extremely foolish and dangerous act which put the driver and passengers on the train in danger. Patrols have now been stepped up in the area to catch and deter any vandals from carrying out this type of extremely dangerous crime."
Police said the large object, believed to be a brick, was thrown at the train as it approached the flyover on September 9. It happened at around 4.20pm.
The service was the 2.54pm train from Scarborough to Doncaster, which was terminated in Hull after the attack. The affected train was then out of service while the damage was repaired.
Richard Allan, area director for Northern Rail, said: "An object striking the window of a train can cause serious shock and upset, as well as potential injury to members of our train crew. As a result, customers can suffer unnecessary delays and disruption to their journey. Luckily, on this occasion, no one was hurt but the damaged window meant the train had to be cancelled at Hull and taken out of service for repair.
"Incidences such as these are putting the safety of our employees and passengers at risk. I would urge anyone with information on this to contact our colleagues at the British Transport Police immediately."
The train arrived in Hull six minutes late after it was struck. Police said they believe those responsible may not realise the dangers of throwing objects at moving trains.
PC Lambert said: "The train was approaching the flyover at around 4.20pm when a large object, possibly a brick or stone, was thrown at the train from the flyover. The object smashed through the train's windscreen narrowly missing the driver who fortunately was uninjured. If anyone knows who is responsible, or saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, then I would urge you to get in touch."
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police by calling 0800 405040 or texting 61016 quoting log 371 of September 9. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.Children playing on tracks
Police warned in July that children were risking their lives playing on the railway tracks near the County Road North bridge. This month, officers will be visiting schools whose pupils have been seen playing on the railway over the summer holidays.
A group of up to five children, aged between six and seven, were seen on the tracks. Four children were also given police cautions after being caught trespassing on the railway close to County Road North. Every day, more than 110 passenger and freight trains travel along the line between Hull, Beverley and Bridlington at speeds of up to 70mph.
Sergeant Simon Litchfield, of the British Transport Police in Hull, said: "The consequences can be absolutely tragic. If a child is killed, it can ruin families and devastate communities. It is incredibly dangerous. If a driver sees a kid crossing the line, they may not be able to stop in time and there is nothing they can do about it."
