Warning issued after trolleys are thrown on Yorkshire railway lines

Incidents of shopping trolleys being thrown on to Yorkshire railway lines have been described as “extremely dangerous and reckless” by transport police.

On Wednesday, October 7, at around 8pm officers received reports that a Northern Rail service had struck a trolley on the line at Planetrees Road in Bradford. The trolley belonged to a nearby furniture store.

The next day, at the same time, a Leeds to Manchester train was damaged by another trolley in the same location, before a second train travelling in the opposite direction was struck – this time without causing significant damage, but both incidents disrupted services.

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PC Andrew Storey, the investigating officer, said: “Over the course of these two days it’s fortunate that passengers or members of rail staff on board the services weren’t injured.

“We urge anyone with information about this incident, including anyone who was in the area at the time, to get in touch. We’d also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the senselessness of these acts, whoever is responsible potentially put many lives in danger.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference PSUB/B9 of 15/10/2015. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Northern Rail, which operates train services on the line, criticised the incidents and highlighted the danger they can cause to customers and employees.

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A spokesperson said: “Mindless acts such as these costs the rail network much more than a hefty bill. It causes serious shock and upset to our drivers and conductors, and as a result, our customers can suffer long and unnecessary delays and disruption to their journey.

“A damaged train may have to be taken out of service for repair causing further delays and disruptions, something that is preventable and can be avoided.

“We will continue to work closely with BTP to investigate and prosecute those involved.”