Windscreen smashed after stone thrown at train - Pontyclun
British Transport Police (
BTP▸ ) is appealing for information after an object was thrown at a train as it was being driven through Pontyclun rail station.
The incident, which took place around 8.40pm on Tuesday, 5 February, caused significant damage to the cab window and left the driver extremely shaken but, luckily, uninjured.
BTP officers investigating the incident have issued a stark warning to people carrying out such acts, and are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
Investigating officer PC Craig Farrell, of BTP Cardiff, said: ^The 1905hrs
DB» Schenker freight service from Margam depot to Tees Yard, Middlesborough was travelling through Pontyclun when the driver reported the windscreen of the train being hit by an object. We believe the item, thought to be a stone, was thrown from either one of the platforms or a footbridge. As a result, the windscreen^s protective shield was shattered.
^This was clearly an extremely dangerous act. Not only are there substantial financial implications for DB Schenker ^ the cost of replacing the windscreen is around ^4,000 ^ but the driver^s safety was severely compromised. The train was travelling around 60mph at the time and it is fortunate the driver was not struck by the object, otherwise the consequences could have been catastrophic.^
Officers immediately searched the area to try and trace the offenders and have also conducted house-to-house enquiries, but to no avail.
^This was an incredibly irresponsible and dangerous act,^ said PC Farrell. ^Luckily, the driver was not injured but was clearly affected as a result of this frightening incident. In fact, he was so shaken he had to be relieved from his duties. We believe this was a deliberate act of vandalism that could have had tragic consequences.
^I am appealing for anyone who was in the vicinity of Pontyclun station at the time of the incident and who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously to contact BTP as a matter of urgency. It is beyond belief that anyone could put items in the path of moving trains and we need to trace these mindless vandals before their actions result in serious harm."
Anyone with information that could assist police with their enquiries can contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference B8/
WCA▸ of 08/02/2013. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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