POLICE were hunting vandals who derailed a late-night train and almost caused a disaster. Passengers and crew had an amazing escape after the train ploughed into slabs of concrete on Raikes Bridge, Lower Darwen. It was only the quick reaction of driver Chris Highton who slammed on the brakes to stop the train plunging over the 50ft viaduct.

The bridge was branded a vandal blackspot following a series of similar incidents on the line.

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