VANDALS who placed concrete troughing and a large boulder on an East Lancashire railway line put passengers lives at risk, British Transport Police said today.

Officers were alerted to the Whitewell Road area of Accrington at 11.50am on Thursday when stones were hurled at the Blackpool North to York train.

No damage was caused to the train but officers who attended the scene at the rear of Accrington cemetery found a large boulder, concrete troughing and several ballast stones at short intervals on the line. They removed them before any trains passed.

PC Bill Rodgers said: "Had a train struck the obstruction it would have been damaged and subsequent delays would have occurred.

"Of greater concern is the safety aspect in that any large object placed on the track has the potential to de-rail a passenger train and this could cause serious injury or fatalities.

Police are awaiting a full report from the driver of the 10.47 train and looking into the possibility that schoolchildren may be responsible.

PC Rodgers said: "Instances such as this are generally caused by people of school age and we would urge youngsters to find more appropriate activities to keep themselves occupied during the Easter holidays.

"The potential is there for loss of lives and even workers who are accustomed to being on the lines often have difficulty hearing trains in windy conditions. You cannot hear them approaching and the train can be on top of you before you realise it is there and can react."

Anyone found on railway lines will be prosecuted and the maximum fine for trespass alone is £200. If caught placing items on the track and intent is proved, the person could face a life prison sentence.