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Wednesday 18 Jan 2006

RAIL VANDAL PUTS LIVES AT RISK

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail has condemned a vandal who trespassed on the railway and threw missiles at passing trains and rail staff in Northampton. The incident, shortly after 4pm yesterday, led to the railway being closed for nearly an hour while police worked to catch the individual. This caused delay and disruption for the thousands of passengers travelling in the area. Steve Derrick, Network Rail Area General Manager said: “The actions of this vandal put not only his own life at risk but also those of rail passengers and staff. A brick through the window of a train can cause serious injuries to passengers and train drivers. Trespassing on the railway is itself a dangerous criminal offence and I would ask local people to report any instances to the police” Superintendent Alex Carson from British Transport Police added: “This was a serious incident that could have led to injury or worse. As it is, this irresponsible individual caused severe disruption and inconvenience to a great many people. The word trespass doesn’t sound very serious, but in the railway environment, with all its potential dangers, it is and we treat it as such” Witnesses can contact the British Transport Police on freephone 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The British Transport Police made an arrest in connection with this incident near Northampton station last night.