Stone vandals hit crowded trains

Jan 5 2008 by Katie Campling, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

VANDALS put lives at risk when they damaged seven express trains passing through Milnsbridge.

The yobs threw stones which smashed through windows of the seven First TransPennine Express trains as they neared the Marsden side of the Milnsbridge Viaduct.

Now a reward has been offered to trap the cuplrits.

The incidents happened on the afternoon of December 22 but details have just been released.

All the trains had passengers and full crews on board, but no-one was injured.

British Transport Police are now offering a £500 reward in a bid to catch the culprits.

The reward will go to anyone giving information that leads to the successful arrest and conviction of those responsible for the vandalism.

The driver of the 12.15 Newcastle to Manchester service reported seeing five youths by the line – three throwing stones with the other two hiding in bushes by the track. Two of the youths wore hooded tops – one light blue, the other dark blue.

The area was searched by British Transport Police after the damage, but no suspects have been traced.

Insp Tracy Metcalf said the vandals’ actions were very dangerous.

“It’s vital that we catch those involved in this incident. I cannot emphasise strongly enough the dangers associated with this type of crime.

“We want to send a clear message to any youngsters who may think this is a bit of fun that this type of behaviour can have serious consequences. Throwing stones is a form of criminal damage and we will arrest anyone found committing such an act. There is also potential for a serious accident or injury to be caused to passengers as a result of these offences.”

She said such incidents are more common at weekends, after school and during holidays.

Edith Rodgers, customer services director at First TransPennine Express, said they were taking the damage seriously.

She said: “People who throw objects at trains need to realise that they are aiming at people and this is extremely dangerous.

“There is no justification for this kind of behaviour and the railway should not be used as a playground. We will not tolerate anybody who tries to jeopardise the safety of our passengers and staff and are working closely with the British Transport Police to investigate this further.”

Anyone with information about the incident is being asked to contact the confidential, freephone hotline on 0800 405040 and quote incident number 323 22/12/2007.