Yobs hunted after hurling stones at a train

The service had been passing under a bridge just north of Mansfield Woodhouse station when the objects were thrown into the path of the Worksop to Nottingham service, causing damage to a coolant hose on the underside of the carriage.

PC Jenkins, the investigating officer, said: “Luckily there were no reported injuries to anyone onboard the train, but this could have easily resulted in a passenger or member of rail staff being seriously injured or hurt.

“This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable, and I would urge anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area near Northfield Road last Thursday evening to please contact police.”

“Traditionally incidents such as this, and trespassing on the tracks, sadly increase during the school holidays, risking lives and damaging and delaying train services.

“I would also like to appeal to members of the public who may see anyone trespassing on the tracks or playing near the lines to report every incident to us.

“We take all reports very seriously and this type of crime is a priority for us.

“Our officers will be out there and if you are trespassing or obstructing the railway you will be caught and dealt with,” he added.

Sarah Turner, route general manager for East Midlands Trains, said: “This was clearly a very dangerous incident, not just for our customers and staff but also those who threw the objects on to the track.

“It is important to remember the railway is never a safe place to play or trespass upon and we will do all we can to prevent these sort of incidents happening.

“We are now working very closely with British Transport Police to find those responsible.”

The incident happened shortly before 9pm on Thursday, July 23.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting incident number 578 of 23/7/2015.

Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555