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Thursday 8 Dec 2005

REWARD TO CATCH A RAIL VANDAL

Region & Route:

Network Rail is offering a reward of up to £2,000 for information leading to the successful prosecution of criminals who placed an object on a rail on the West Coast Main Line at Dallam (Warrington) on Monday 28 November. A portable temporary speed restriction warning device was deliberately placed across the southbound track but was fortunately spotted by the driver of a northbound train before any damage could be done. A Euston-bound train was successfully stopped by an emergency call to the train driver. Gary Openshaw, Network Rail’s area general manager who put up the reward, said: “Had we not got that call to the London train driver in time, I shudder to think what the consequences could have been. We could well have been looking at a major incident with a number of serious injuries if not fatalities.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40. Information can be left anonymously if preferred.