Bricks thrown at trains and prams on tracks at Bradford stations

Since August 2021, the operator's services were struck by 42 bricks, stones and rocks thrown from bridges and railway embankments.

On June 12, a train going from Leeds to Huddersfield was hit by stones thrown between New Pudsey and Bradford Interchange.

Bradford Interchange (Image: T&A)

A service travelling from Leeds to Huddersfield was struck by an object at New Pudsey on November 22 of last year.

An item was also thrown at a train at its final destination of Skipton on April 30.

Similar incidents at Frizinghall, Guiseley and Cononley also occurred.

Frizinghall Station (Image: Newsquest)

Northern carriages also collided with 27 ‘substantial items’ including shopping trollies, pushchairs and bikes deliberately placed on the track.

On May 20, a train travelling from Leeds to Skipton struck one of these on track at Keighley.

Over the last 12 months, services at New Pudsey, Apperley Bridge and Halifax were also halted after colliding with prams.

The figures come as part of an on-going appeal to raise awareness of how dangerous this criminal activity is (Image: Social media)

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “It’s bewildering to think some people find targeting trains in this way is some kind of ‘sport’ – and the fact it’s happening more than once a week is shocking.

“While the 69 affected services represent less than 0.01 per cent of our annual fleet movements, the impact on those caught up in one of these events is significant.”

Williams added: “We know these attacks are rarely carried out by a ‘lone wolf’ and are more often the action of a group – where peer pressure and ‘group mob mentality' can be a contributing factor.

“Our message to them is simple: this behaviour is reckless, it’s dangerous and it must stop.”

High-definition CCTV cameras that can be monitored in real-time by British Transport Police are set to be installed on Northern trains.

Acting Supt Lorna McEwan said: “Obstructing the railway is a stupid, reckless and mindless act. Placing items on the line or throwing rocks and stones at passing trains risks the lives of passengers and rail staff.

"Safety on the railway is our priority. This is not a harmless prank - it is criminal, it is dangerous, and we will prosecute those responsible."

Anyone who witnesses items being thrown at trains or sees someone placing items on the track should contact British Transport Police immediately by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.