Accrington yobs hurl brick at moving train (From Blackburn Citizen)

Accrington yobs hurl brick at moving train

10:02am Thursday 19th January 2012 in Hyndburn By Sam Chadderton, Reporter

YOBS throwing bricks at trains have been warned they could kill someone with their ‘mindless vandalism’.

A train driver reported a brick striking the windscreen of a service as it passed through Accrington.

British Transport Police are trying to trace who is responsible and say lives are being put at risk.

Officers believe the brick was thrown close to the Owen Street footbridge as the Blackpool North to York train passed between Accrington railway station and the viaduct.

The windscreen was damaged and the train taken out of service for repairs.

The driver was ’shaken, but uninjured’.

He reported the incident, at 3.20pm on Saturday, to Northern Rail, which contacted the authorities.

PC Tony Greenwood said: “Whilst the damage to the train is extremely serious, this could have been much worse as the windscreen could have shattered and showered the driver with glass, or the brick could have smashed through the window and seriously hurt the driver.

“It is only through good fortune that no-one was injured.

“It is beyond belief that anyone could throw things at moving trains and we need to trace these mindless vandals before their actions result in serious harm to either rail staff or passengers.

“I am calling on anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

“I am also making a direct plea to those involved.

Think about what you are doing and what you have done.

Your actions could result in serious injury or, potentially, loss of life. Stop now before it is too late’.”

Contact BTP on 0800 405040 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.