A SPEAR attack on a train passing under a bridge in Burnley was premeditated and could have killed, police have warned.

Increased patrols are now taking place in the area and house to house inquiries are being held in an attempt the trace the culprits.

Two six feet long metal railings were thrown through the roof of the passenger train travelling from Colne via Blackburn to Preston and Blackpool.

British Transport police are carrying out house to house inquiries in the Westgate area of Burnley and are appealing for help from the public for information about the offenders.

PC Neil Rawsthorne said: "We have not had any significant increase of incidents in this area and certainly nothing previously at this level. Previous incidents have include trespass and stone-throwing.

"Whoever was responsible for this has removed the railings from a site nearby and gone to the bridge with the intention of launching them at a train.

"That is a premeditated act, obviously highly dangerous which could have killed."

The two metal railings went into the roof of the carriage but did not penetrate into the passenger compartment.

PC Rawsthorne said it was an insane thing to do and they were appealing for information from the public.

The incident happened at 3.40pm on Sunday as the train went under Cavalry Way near to Burnley Barracks station.

The driver stopped the train and the railings were removed before the train continued its journey.

British Transport police have been told a youngster with short blonde hair was seen on the bridge at about the time of the attack.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport police on freephone 0800 405040 or to ring Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.