'Lives at risk' warning over rail line vandalism

Lives were put at risk when items including road signs and parts of a trampoline were put on rail lines in Leicestershire, officials have said.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) said five incidents, which also saw train windows smashed, took place in the space of 100 minutes when children got on to the line at Sileby last month.

As well as the danger, the vandalism delayed services and caused distress to both staff and passengers, the company said.

Joining with British Transport Police and Network Rail, it has appealed to parents to educate their children about the dangers of trespassing on the tracks.

On 27 June, EMR said it recorded the following problems:

• 19:00 BST: The driver of the St Pancras to Sheffield service reported a loud bang from beneath the train, believed to be caused by items placed on the track
• 19:03: The driver of the Leicester to Nottingham service reported a broken outer window, caused by stone-throwing
• 20:10: The driver of the Sheffield to St Pancras service reported striking debris on the tracks, including a metal road sign. The driver stopped to remove the items
• 20:13: Upon arrival in Leicester, the driver of a service discovered a broken train window, likely sustained while passing through Sileby
• 20:20: The driver of the St Pancras to Sheffield service observed youths placing objects on the track. The driver stopped to clear the debris and observed the youths leaving the railway
• 20:42: The driver of the Sheffield to St Pancras service reported removing part of a trampoline from the tracks

Lucy Gallacher, EMR's emergency planning manager, said: "These mindless incidents put lives at risk and lead to trains being damaged, delayed, and services being cancelled.

"Even though we are putting in place a number of measures to help address the issue, everyone in Sileby can help us keep people safe. If they see anyone playing on or near the railway, please let authorities know - their call could save a life.

"Also, especially with the summer holidays approaching, we are asking parents of the village to educate their children about the dangers of playing near the railways or placing objects on them."

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