Over the last 12 months, there have been almost 70 dangerous attacks on trains operated by Northern.
Since August last year, Northern's services have been struck by 42 bricks, stones, and rocks thrown from bridges and railway embankments. The company's trains have also collided with 27 substantial items that have been deliberately placed on the track, including shopping trollies, pushchairs, and bicycles.
This map shows the location of each incident, and is part of an ongoing appeal to raise awareness of how dangerous this criminal activity is.
In February this year, at Clifton in Greater Manchester a brick thrown at a Northern train shattered the cab window and left the driver, Ian Birch, covered in blood.
In June, 15-week-old baby Esme Emmerson was showered with glass after the train she was travelling on with her parents was attacked on its approach to Hull in East Yorkshire.
Northern's fleet of trains is currently undergoing an upgrade, which will include the installation of high-definition CCTV that will allow British Transport Police to monitor the trains in real time. It is also making use of the ‘what3words' system to identify the exact location of any activity. To assist with any criminal prosecutions the company will provide the police with CCTV footage and geographical data.
If anyone witnesses items being thrown at trains or sees someone placing items on the track they should contact British Transport Police immediately by text on 61016, by calling 0800 40 50 40, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “It's bewildering to think some people find targeting trains in this way is some kind of ‘sport' – and the fact it's happening more than once a week is shocking.
“Whilst the 69 affected services represent less than 0.01% of our annual fleet movements, the impact on those caught up in one of these events is significant.”
“We know these attacks are rarely carried out by a ‘lone wolf' and are more often the action of a group – where peer pressure and ‘group mob mentality' can be a contributing factor.
“Our message to them is simple: this behaviour is reckless, it's dangerous and it must stop.”
Acting Supt Lorna McEwan said: “This photograph provides a startling visual which brings to life the danger involved in throwing things onto the tracks.
“Obstructing the railway is a stupid, reckless and mindless act. Placing items on the line or throwing rocks and stones at passing trains risks the lives of passengers and rail staff.
“Safety on the railway is our priority. This is not a harmless prank – it is criminal, it is dangerous, and we will prosecute those responsible.”
