Train window smashed in Yatton
British Transport Police (BTP) is appealing for information after a brick was thrown from a bridge towards a train traveling through Yatton railway station, smashing its windscreen.
A reward of £5,000 is being offered by CrossCountry Trains for information leading to the identification and conviction of those responsible.
The incident, which happened around 9.55pm on Wednesday, 29 August, caused significant damage to the windscreen, and resulted in the train being taken out of service.
Inspector Andy Irwin-Porter from BTP said: “The 1508hrs Edinburgh to Plymouth CrossCountry Trains service was travelling through Yatton railway station, near Bristol, when the brick smashed the outer windscreen.
“Thankfully, the driver was not injured but has understandably been left extremely shaken by the incident.”
Following the incident, the train was driven back to Bristol, where it was taken out of service, causing major inconvenience for passengers on board travelling to destinations between Bristol and Plymouth.
Insp Irwin-Porter added: “This was an incredibly irresponsible and dangerous act, and it was lucky no one was injured or killed.
“Officers attended Yatton station after the incident happened and immediately searched the area as well as conducting house-to-house enquiries. No one was located but we are determined to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
“I am appealing for anyone who was in the Yatton area around the time of the incident and who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously, or running away from the station, to contact BTP as a matter of urgency.
“We believe this was a deliberate act of vandalism that could have had tragic consequences.
"It is beyond belief that anyone could throw objects at moving trains and we need to trace those responsible before their actions result in serious harm to rail staff or passengers."
CrossCountry managing director, Andy Cooper, said: “The possible consequences of this incident are truly terrifying and it is lucky our driver escaped uninjured. These vandals must be apprehended before they cause an injury or worse, and I would appeal for anyone with information to contact the BTP urgently.”
Anyone with information that could assist police with their enquiries can contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident reference 569 of 29/08/2012.
Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting the above incident reference.
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