Youths hunted over damage to trains

Northern Rail is offering a reward of as much as 1,000 for information leading to the arrest, charge and conviction of the vandals responsible for the attacks on consecutive days in the West Bowling area of the city.

In the first incident, which happened at 5.40pm on July 25, a large object was thrown at the 5.12pm Leeds to Halifax service train from a footbridge, just off Dalcross Grove.

Det Sgt Matt Davies, the investigating officer, said: "The object struck the train, smashing the inner and outer skin of the windscreen. The train was taken out of service as a result, and trains were placed on caution, causing delays to passengers."

The following day, at about 9.10pm, an object was thrown at the 8.37pm Leeds to Manchester Victoria service, shattering the windscreen and showering the guard with shards of glass.

Det Sgt Davies added: "Throwing objects at fast moving trains is an extremely foolish and dangerous offence and we will arrest anyone found committing such an act."

Four youths were seen running away from the area after each attack.

Steve Butcher, chief operating officer, Northern Rail, said: "We will not tolerate any act of vandalism that threatens the safety of our employees or passengers."