Trains in Lancashire operated by Northern have been struck numerous times by bricks, stones and rocks, and have hit items on the tracks, such as shopping trollies and bikes over the past year.
In the last 12 months, Northern services in the region were the target of almost 70 dangerous attacks, and the train operator has now released information - including a map (below) showing the location of each incident - as part of an ongoing appeal to raise awareness of how dangerous this criminal activity is.
Since August last year, its services across the North of England were struck by 42 bricks, stones and rocks thrown from bridges and railway embankments.
Its carriages also collided with 27 ‘substantial items’ including shopping trollies, pushchairs and bikes deliberately placed on the track.
In Lancashire alone, bricks were thrown at trains passing through the following stations:
- Bamber Bridge
- Leyland
- Blackburn
- Accrington
- Brierfield
- Croston
- Poulton-le-Fylde
- Blackpool
Chief operating officer at Northern, Tricia Williams, said: “It’s bewildering to think some people find targeting trains in this way is some kind of sport – and the fact it’s happening more than once a week is shocking.
“Whilst the 69 affected services represent less than 0.01 per cent of our annual fleet movements, the impact on those caught up in one of these events is significant.”
In February, one of Northern’s drivers, Ian Birch, was left covered in blood after his cab window was shattered by a brick thrown in Clifton, Greater Manchester; and in June, a 15-week-old baby, Esme Emmerson, was showered with glass after the train she was travelling on with her parents was attacked on approach to Hull, East Yorkshire.
Ms Williams added: “We know these attacks are rarely carried out by a lone wolf and are more often the action of a group – where peer pressure and group mob mentality can be a contributing factor.
“Our message to them is simple: this behaviour is reckless, it’s dangerous and it must stop.”
As part of Northern’s on-going fleet upgrade, high-definition CCTV that can be monitored in real time by British Transport Police is being installed on its trains.
They are also making use of the What3Words system to identify the exact location of this activity.
Footage and geographical data will be supplied by Northern to the police to assist with any criminal prosecutions.
Acting Supt Lorna McEwan, from the British Transport Police said: "This photograph provides a startling visual which brings to life the danger involved in throwing things onto the tracks.
“Obstructing the railway is a stupid, reckless, and mindless act. Placing items on the line or throwing rocks and stones at passing trains risks the lives of passengers and rail staff.
"Safety on the railway is our priority. This is not a harmless prank - it is criminal, it is dangerous, and we will prosecute those responsible."
Anyone who witnesses items being thrown at trains or sees someone placing items on the track should contact British Transport Police immediately by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.
Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here