THE number of dangerous attacks on trains operated by Northern is down almost 90 per cent in the last 12 months, with the number of recorded incidents at just eight, including a scary air gun incident on a train bound for Bradford Forster Square in May.

Last year, there were 69 incidents, it has been revealed.

The statistics relate to trains being struck by objects thrown from bridges, railway embankments and stations or those which collide with ‘substantial items’ deliberately placed on the track.

Earlier this year, Northern added a further 600 new CCTV cameras to the more than 1,000 that monitor its station estate.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Northern reported eight incidents on train attacks this past year.Northern reported eight incidents on train attacks this past year. (Image: UGC)

These were in addition to the 7,000 new cameras fitted on-board its fleet of trains in 2022.

There were eight suspicious incidents recorded this year including:

• A service from Leeds to Skipton that was targeted with a brick at Kirkstall Forge station.

• And a service from Leeds to Bradford Forster Square that was targeted with pellets fired from an air gun.

Shocked rail passengers heard a "loud crack" as a carriage window was shattered by "somebody shooting at trains."

Services on the Bradford to Leeds line had to be suspended due to a "series of incidents" that resulted in damage to trains.

Police rushed to the scene in a bid to catch the culprit or culprits, with officers reportedly using dogs to scour the area.

British Transport Police said the horror unfolded near Kirkstall Forge station at rush hour, with reports that a train had been hit by air gun pellets.

The incident caused major delays and disruption on the line.

Services between Leeds and Bradford Forster Square, Ilkley, Guiseley, Apperley Bridge and Kirkstall Forge were affected for almost two hours while officers dealt with the situation.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “Each and every incident recorded represents a serious danger to the passengers and train crew involved and we appeal to anyone involved in this criminal activity to stop.

“Fortunately, the appetite for committing these senseless acts is clearly in decline – not least of all because the chance of being ‘caught on camera’ is now far greater.

“That said, we certainly won’t be resting on our laurels. These statistics should stand at zero and we will continue to work with community partners across the region and our colleagues at Network Rail to identify the perpetrators and support British Transport Police with any prosecutions brought before the courts.”

Anyone who witnesses items being thrown at trains or sees someone placing items on the track should contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.