Kentish Express Ashford & District
Shopping trolley thrown off footbridge onto rails
Rail services were stopped from Folkestone West after a train hit a shopping trolley thrown from a footbridge on to the line.
Southeastern confirmed a high speed train hit a trolley just after 5pm on the line between Folkestone and Ashford on Tuesday evening of last week.
Power to the line was turned off while workers removed the trolley and checked the train for damage.
It is believed the trolley was thrown from the footbridge between Tolsford Close and St Martin’s Road, close to Cheriton Tesco.
The train suffered minor damage and was stopped at Ashford and withdrawn from service for repair.
British Transport Police (BTP) are now appealing for witnesses after being called to investigate how the trolley came to be on the line.
Officers were called at 5.08pm after a train driver reported striking an object, a spokesman for BTP said.
He added: “Fortunately nobody was injured in the incident. Clearly this endangered the safety of all those on the train.”
Passengers suffered delays as trains were delayed around the Ashford area behind the service which struck the trolley.
The spokesman for BTP confirmed an investigation is under way and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
A Southeastern spokesman told the Express: “Leaving obstructions on the tracks can be extremely dangerous, and we encourage anyone with any information about the incident to contact the police.”
If you have information about the incident contact British Transport Police on 0800 505040, text 61016 quoting reference 413 of 26/4/16. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.