Stone-throwers smash train window

Last night British Transport police warned youths to stay away from the rail lines during the Easter holidays.

Stones were thrown from a bridge over the line close to Fitzwilliam station at trains including the 1.07pm Edinburgh to Plymouth service on Monday, April 11. The stones hit one of the windscreens, damaging the glass.

Pc Tahira Bibi, the investigating officer, said “Easter is traditionally a time when incidents such as stone-throwing, putting obstructions in front of trains, trespassing and line-side vandalism increase on the railway with children off school and the onset of the light nights.

“We are hoping that this year, by targeting hot spot areas we will reduce the number of incidents and deter the majority of youngsters from messing about on the railway.

“Last Monday, we saw a dangerous incident which left the driver understandably shaken. We urge those who think that throwing stones and other objects at passing trains is fun to consider the consequences of their actions, which could have been much worse.”

Officers are now examining CCTV in the area and stepping up patrols around the line to deter youths from playing close to fast-moving trains.

Pc Bibi added: “Anyone who trespasses onto the railway is taking a gamble with their own lives, as well as the lives of all the staff and passengers travelling on the trains.

“The railway is an inherently dangerous environment, with high speed trains and electric currents, and it should never be treated as a playground or somewhere to hang about.

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call the police on Freefone 0800 405040.