UK - Vandals attempt to derail train

[John Ashworth]

1. Vandals attempt to derail train

About 60 rail passengers had to be led to safety after their train crashed into a large metal object left on tracks near Caerphilly, south Wales.

Detectives are describing the incident close to Llanbradach station on Friday night as a "significant attempt" to derail a train.

Arriva Train Wales described those responsible as "mindless idiots" who had put lives at risk.

None of the passengers was injured and an investigation is continuing.

The train operator said services in the area are running properly again after the track was inspected by engineers.

But a spokesman for Arriva Trains Wales added: "Any attempt to derail a train is extremely serious and those responsible have disregard for property and life.

"They obviously didn't consider seriously the consequences of their actions.

"It's difficult to understand and comprehend the actions of these mindless idiots."

The incident happened at 2105 GMT when the Arriva train service from Penarth to Rhymney struck the grease pot close to Llanbradach station.

Passengers on the train were led to safety along tracks and then onto coaches.

Arriva Trains said the damaged train then "limped" into Cardiff for repairs.

British Transport Police, who are investigating, said they were treating the incident as "extremely serious".

A spokeswoman added: "This is considered a significant attempt to derail a train.

"The offence of endangering the safety of passengers is punishable with life imprisonment."

Anyone with any information relating to the incident is urged to call BTP on 0800 405040.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/w ... 172768.stm

Published: 2008/01/05 11:14:28 GMT

© BBC MMVIII

2. Police hunt train crash vandals

ITN - Saturday, January 5 06:37 pm

Police are hunting vandals who nearly derailed a passenger train by leaving a metal object in its path.

British Transport Police (BTP) launched an investigation after an Arriva train crashed into the obstruction on the track close to Llanbradach station, near Caerphilly, south Wales.

The train was carrying about 60 passengers when it hit what was described as "a large, heavy metal grease pot".

A BTP spokeswoman said the passengers on the Penarth to Rhymney train had to leave the stricken train and walk to safety.

She said: "The impact was so severe it rendered the train disabled.

"This is considered a significant attempt to derail a train and British Transport Police are treating it as extremely serious.

"The offence of endangering the safety of passengers is punishable with life imprisonment."

Investigating officers are carrying out an examination of the scene and the train.

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Mindless idiots is probably right. They seem to be proliferating. Do they mutate into respectable citizens, or is UK just on a downward spiral? Last time was there I talked to some individuals in the street and asked for directions to a Bookshop. They did not really understand what a bookshop was, but helped after I explained (and they were not bright enough to be tasking the Mickey, believe you me!)!