Petrol bomb among missiles to hit trains

More than 400 objects, including a petrol bomb, have been thrown at moving trains in Scotland over the past three years.

Thugs have thrown hundreds of rocks and stones at high-speed trains, as well as the home-made explosive and a number of bricks, putting lives in danger.

In another serious incident, a member of rail staff was left with glass lodged in an eye after an object smashed through a train window.

In the past three years, 423 incidents involving objects being thrown at trains have been reported to police. However, moves by British Transport Police and ScotRail have contributed to a steady fall in the number of attacks over the period.

Freedom of information figures show that in the 12 months to October 2013, there were 127 cases involv- ing objects thrown at trains, down from 140 the previous year and 156 between November 2010 and October 2011.

Stones, ballast and bottles are the most common items.

Jyoti Vara, from rail safety charity, Track Off, said: “Throwing missiles at trains is extremely reckless.

“They endanger the lives of staff working on the rail network and passengers”

Causing injury to or maiming a driver in control of a moving train loaded with passengers could have devastating consequences.”

A British Transport Police spokesman said: “Anyone indulging in route crime such as stone-throwing around the railway is committing an offence and putting themselves in great danger.

“They are also endangering the lives of staff working on the rail network and passengers travelling on trains.

“With hard work and the support of our rail industry partners, we have reduced offences. However, we will never become complacent.”

A spokeswoman for ScotRail said: “We do not tolerate crime of any kind on the railways and work closely with our industry partners, including BTP, to help ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We take trespass and vandalism on our infrastructure extremely seriously. We work closely with British Transport Police to educate the public on the dangers of misusing the railway andto stop those who are determined to do so.”