VANDALS who threw stones at a passenger train could have caused a fatality, say police who are investigating.

The incident happened just outside Burnley as the 4.18 Arriva Transpennine Express service to Blackpool left Manchester Road station heading for Blackburn.

The following train was delayed for about 30 minutes after the driver was warned about possible attacks by vandals.

The incident came as police warned of the possible fatal consequences for passengers and those responsible for rail vandalism.

They said incidents were bound to rise over the next few weeks as more youngsters were out of school on their holidays.

Earlier this week British Transport Police said a train carrying 60 passengers came close to being derailed when it struck a pile of wood fencing and bricks placed on the track by vandals in Kent.

And CCTV footage of youngsters on a line in Merseyside was released to highlight the dangers.

Inspector John Vernon, of British Transport Police in Preston said so-called 'route crime' like throwing stones at trains or putting objects on railway lines was often more serious than people believed and could easily result in serious injury or even death.

He added: "The consequences of some of these acts can turn out to be fatal and the people who commit them are putting not only passengers at risk but also themselves.

"There is bound to be an increase in route crime during the school holidays and parents need to be aware what their children are up to."

David Judson, regional director for Arriva Trains Northern said: "The 5.18pm Burnley to Preston train was delayed by around 30 minutes due to youths attempting to throw objects at one of our trains.

"British Transport Police are investigating. We work very closely with our industry partners to reduce vandalism and take all reports of vandalism seriously.

"We would like to appeal to anyone who could help us identify the culprits from Monday's incident to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040."