Trains forced to stop after brick placed on Dewsbury line

British Transport Police (BTP) officers have condemned vandals who deliberately placed stones on the rail line near to Crackenedge Lane, Dewsbury, on Friday April 4.

Three youths had been seen sitting in a field adjacent to the railway at the time of the time of the incident and officers are now appealing for information to try to discover who the culprits were.

PC Marcus Robinson said: “Officers were patrolling the area around 8.10pm, when they spotted three boys sitting in a field next to the rail line.

“The boys made off when the officers went to approach them and ran along Calums Wood Road.”

Officers searched the area for the boys, but could not find them. A block from a nearby wall deliberately placed on the line was discovered, and, after making further enquiries, it emerged two train services earlier in the day were forced to stop at the location due to stones on the line.

PC Robinson added: “Not only do vandals who place these objects on the tracks risk their own lives, but also endanger the safety of passengers.

“Fortunately, the drivers in these cases managed to stop their trains in time, but placing objects on the track in this way could cause trains to derail or damage to trains and infrastructure.

“This is an incredibly serious incident and I would urge anyone with information, or who saw anything suspicious at the time to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting B6/NEA of 15/04/2013. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.