Stone-throwing yobs are putting lives at risk with an escalating spate of attacks on trains.

Network Rail in West Yorkshire recorded 206 incidents of missile throwing at trains and railway property in 2006.

Already in 2007 there have been 107 similar attacks, heading for a figure of around 250 this year, many of them carried out by jeering youths who stand in the path of the trains or hurl missiles from bridges.

In the last six months, 14 trains have been stoned in the Bradford district, planks have been placed on a line and windows smashed at stations.

The driver of an express train in the most recent incident narrowly escaped serious injury when the 100mph train was struck by yobs from a footbridge.

The attack on the Transpennine Express is one of a growing number of incidents of missile-hurling and vandalism.

British Transport Police are hunting four children seen by the driver of the Newcastle to Manchester Airport service throwing stones at his cab.

A spokesman said: "As the train approached the children hurled stones at the oncoming train, smashing the driver's window.

British Transport Police searched the area but there was no trace of the suspects."

David Mallender, spokesman for Transpennine Express, said the train could have been travelling at anything from 70-100mph.

He said the driver was very shocked by the incident. He immediately stopped the train and raised the alarm.

Mr Mallender said of the youngsters responsible: "They are hurling missiles at our passengers and our employees. It's no different from lobbying a brick into the middle of a family picnic. It is not acceptable."

In the last six months, missiles hit trains at Guiseley, Burley in Wharfedale, Ben Rhydding, Cottingley, Mill Lane junction, Bradford, the city's Interchange and Forster Square stations, and Shipley.

Wooden planks deliberately laid on lines at Skipton were spotted before a train was endangered.

A Network Rail spokesman said Intercity trains were stoned at Ravenscliffe on two previous occasions, breaking a windscreen.

A train door was smashed in a stoning at Bradford Interchange in April and train windows smashed at Burley, Cottingley and Shipley.

Last month the Telegraph & Argus reported that vandals had caused tens of thousands of pounds damage in an orgy of window-smashing at Frizinghall Station.

Network Rail is running a crack down on the vandals during this week's school holiday.

Route director Dyan Crowther said: "We always see an increase in crime on the railways during the school holidays.

"The recent increase in incidents of missile throwing in West Yorkshire are worrying and entirely unacceptable.

"These individuals are not only putting themselves in grave danger by trespassing on the railway but are also endangering others who may be hit by debris.

"We would ask parents to ensure they know were their children are during the holidays and that they impress upon them the potential dangers of trespassing on the tracks."

British Transport Police will visit schools next week in a bid to trace the youths who attacked the express train.

A spokesman said: "Anyone who trespasses on the railway is putting their own life and the lives of others at serious risk. The railway is not a playground, trains reach extremely high speeds and many lines are electrified carrying a charge of 25,000 vaults.

"Crimes such as stone throwing and obstructing the railway also present a serious safety hazard to both rail staff and passengers as well those committing the crime itself. If objects are placed on the track it can cause a train to derail and staff or passengers could be seriously injured if an object hits a train at high speed."

Anyone who saw the attack on the express train, between Mirfield and Ravesthorpe, or who can help to trace the culprits, should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040, quoting incident number 244 20/05.

They can also call (0113) 2436686 in strict confidence, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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