British Transport Police is appealing for information after a wooden pallet was thrown from a bridge onto a train near to Ferryhill Junction in Ferryhill. The train’s windscreen was smashed and a reward of £5000 is being offered for information leading to the identification and conviction of those responsible.
The incident, which happened around 2pm on Saturday 25 August, caused significant damage to the windscreen and wipers, and resulted in the train being taken out of service.
Sergeant Cheryl Bainbridge from BTP said: “The 08.50hrs Aberdeen to Penzance CrossCountry Trains service was travelling under a bridge in the Ferryhill junction area when the driver saw a wooden pallet being thrown off the over bridge and into the path of the train
“Despite the pallet smashing through the windscreen, remarkably the driver was uninjured. He has understandably been left very shaken by the incident.”
Sgt Bainbridge added: “This was an incredibly irresponsible and dangerous act, and it was lucky no one was injured or killed. The driver saw a number of youths on the footbridge and provided a description; officers immediately searched the area and also conducted house-to-house enquiries but to no avail. Four youths were spoken to in the area, but have since been eliminated from the enquiry.
“I am appealing for anyone who was in the Ferryhill area at the time of the incident and who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously to contact BTP as a matter of urgency.
“It is beyond belief that anyone could put items in the path of moving trains and we need to trace these mindless vandals before their actions result in serious harm to rail staff or passengers.”
Anyone with information that could assist police with their enquiries can contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident reference 237 of 25/08/2012. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
