East Midlands Railway has launched a public appeal after a series of attacks on trains in the Loughborough area.

A cab windscreen has been broken, while a large scooter was dropped from a bridge, damaging a passing train. On a third occasion builders' waste and masonry were dropped from the same bridge.

The attacks began on 3 February, when the scooter was thrown from Allsopps Lane Bridge near Loughborough station, and there have been two more since, on 16 and 17 February,. 

Apart from the risks to lives, many trains have been delayed. A total of 21 trains have been affected, accumulating 214 delay minutes between them.

EMR is asking for help from the public, in a bid to trace the vandals.

The operator’s community safeguarding and security manager Danielle Clarke said: ‘These acts are not pranks or a bit of harmless fun, but incredibly dangerous crimes that put customers and staff at serious risk of injury or worse. They also lead to trains being damaged, delayed, and services being cancelled.

‘Even though we are putting measures in place to help address the issue, the public can also play a really important role. If they see any items being thrown at trains or someone placing objects on the track, they should contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.’

Dan Matthews, who is head of operations delivery for Network Rail, added: ‘These acts of vandalism not only put lives at serious risk but also cause significant disruption.

‘We work closely with train operators like EMR and British Transport Police to prevent such incidents and catch those responsible. We urge anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour on or around our railways to report it immediately.’

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