Trains hit bike and wooden pallet after idiots left them on track in Desborough

Train drivers had a lucky escape after they hit a child's bike and wooden pallet which had been placed on the line at Desborough.

British Transport Police and Network Rail are appealing for information after the "dangerous and malicious behaviour" at the track below the Pipewell Road bridge.

On multiple occasions trains travelling on the track between Kettering and Market Harborough have hit items which people have placed on the line - causing not only a danger to passing trains but the perpetrators involved.

At about 7pm on June 29 a train was reported to have hit a child's bicycle which had been left on the track.

A month later, on July 30, a train driver reported hitting a wooden pallet on the same stretch.

On August 4 people were spotted trespassing on the line with more reports of trains hitting debris.

Elisha Allen, Community Safety Manager at Network Rail, warned: “This behaviour on the railway in Northamptonshire is extremely worrying, and it could have had fatal or life-changing consequences.

"Railway lines are used 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week and you should never anticipate when the next train is due. Trains travel at high speeds, they cannot stop quickly or swerve out of the way and everyone loses when you step on the tracks.”

Mark Clements, a British Transport Police Inspector, said: "Placing items on the tracks is extremely hazardous.

"Those involved are committing criminal acts which could have serious consequences and endangers the safety of trains. If you see anything suspicious on the railway, text us on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40.”

Paul Griffin, head of drivers for East Midlands Railway, said: "Whilst driving a train it can be extremely frightening to see something on the tracks ahead of you, knowing you cannot stop the train.

"You're not sure how much damage the item can cause to the train and it can be particularly stressful for those who have been involved with near misses in the past.”

Network Rail is warning people that trespassing on the railway can result in a £1,000 fine if caught.

Anyone who has seen suspicious behaviour on or near the railway at this location is asked to text BTP on 61016 with information or call 0800 40 50 40.