A BRICK was thrown through the window of a moving train, narrowly missing the driver.

British Transport Police are appealing for information after the trainee driver was showered with glass when was travelling between Clifton Junction and Kearsley stations.

Officers are now linking the incident with another crime at the same location, which took place at around 6.50pm on Tuesday, June 20.

The incident involving the driver took place at around 6.20pm on Tuesday, May 2.

Officers responded immediately but the offenders had left the scene.

Both trains were so badly damaged in the incidents that they had to be taken out of service for repairs.

PC Peter Barrowcliff, investigating officer, said: “The railway is a dangerous place to be hanging around but to deliberately throw objects at moving trains, that are full of people is more than just harmless mischief, it is criminal and the consequences could be horrific.

“It is purely by luck that no one was injured, or worse in these incidents. How would the offender feel to have caused serious injury to a passenger or driver? Could they live with that on their conscience?

“I use this opportunity to call on all parents in the area to make sure they know where their children or teenagers are hanging about after school and during the holidays.”

A spokesman for Northern said that incidents of this nature are extremely disturbing and staff should be able to work without fear of violence or injury from vandalism.

He added: “It is only through good fortune that no-one was hurt as a result of the two incidents. We are now working closely with British Transport Police to trace those responsible and educate young people about the potential dangers of causing damage on the railway.”

Pc Barrowcliff appealed to anyone in the area at the time that saw a person or group acting suspiciously to get in touch as the information could be vital to the investigation.

Anyone with information should text British Transport Police on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 211 of June 27 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.