Yobs hurl stones at trains in Telford

Yobs have smashed windows and put passengers in danger by hurling stones at trains in Telford, transport police today revealed.

British Transport Police said train drivers were left shaken after the attacks on three trains in Wellington on Tuesday and another passing a bridge off Copper Beech Road, in Ketley, on Wednesday.

One badly damaged train had to be taken out of service on Tuesday evening, causing delays and disruption to Shrewsbury-Birmingham services.

Sergeant John Caisley, one of British Transport Police's investigating officers, today confirmed that officers were stepping up patrols in the area and issued a stark warning to the stone-throwers.

Mr Caisley said: "These dangerous incidents left the train drivers understandably shaken.

"We urge those who think that throwing stones and other objects at passing trains is fun to consider the consequences of their actions, which could have been much worse.

"Offenders who throw objects at trains not only risk seriously injuring passengers and staff but are risking a prison term."

Carriage windows were broken in all three of the attacks in Wellington on Tuesday and the outside of a window on the 2.05pm Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury train was damaged in Wednesday's incident at a bridge known locally as the Zigzag Footbridge.

British Transport Police today vowed to hunt the criminals behind the attacks and urged any residents with information about the incidents, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, to come forward.

Mr Caisley added: "I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time or who can help identify those responsible to contact us as a matter of urgency."

Detectives can be contacted free on British Transport Police's 0800 405040 number, quoting incident B2/WWA of April 11. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

By Danny Carden