British Transport Police (BTP) has in Durham appealed for the public’s help after a large concrete slab was placed on the Weardale railway line on Sunday, July 31.
The incident was reported to police at 9.35am after a member of rail staff saw the slab on the track near Wolshingham train station.
PC Ryan Griffiths, the investigating officer, said: “Luckily the obstruction was spotted by a member of rail staff prior to a train travelling on the line which was extremely fortunate. Those who think that placing objects on the tracks is fun or a game should consider the consequences of their actions. If a train had struck the slab it could have easily derailed.
“In recent weeks we have noticed an increase in reports of incidents on the railway in this area. The Weardale railway is now used for freight services, in addition to being used as a tourist line, which has resulted in an increase in the number of trains travelling on this stretch of railway. If mindless incidents such as this carry on, it’s only a matter of time before someone is injured.
PC Griffiths added: “The railway is an inherently dangerous environment, and it should never be treated as a playground or somewhere to hang about. Anyone who trespasses onto the railway is also risking their life and a prison sentence. 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.”
And in a separate incident; on Saturday, August 6 a group of children are believed to have accessed the railway line in the Sunnyhill area of Derby, at about 7.30pm and placed planks of wood on the line.
The wood was struck by the passing 16.45 Cardiff to Nottingham service. No-one was injured and no damage was caused to the train.
The wood was removed from the track and trains travelling through the area were placed on caution. About 20 minutes later, the group are believed to have returned and put additional planks of wood back on the track.
Sergeant Simon Courtney, the investigating officer, said: “Not only did the group of children risk their lives and the lives of others by placing the large wooden planks on the tracks, but stupidly they also returned to do it a second time.
“The railway is not a playground and trespassing on the tracks and placing items on the line is not only dangerous but can have serious – and sometimes fatal – consequences."
