[locojoe]

FROM THE BTPOLICE SITE.
31 October 2008 11:50
REWARD OFFERED AFTER TRACK OBSTRUCTIONS - CHELMSFORD
British Transport Police (BTP) is appealing for information after two recent incidents where trains have struck objects on the track in the Chelmsford area.
A £1,000 reward has been offered by National Express East Anglia for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any offender(s).
Around 9pm on Saturday 25 October, BTP responded to a report of a train striking a bicycle near to Chelmsford railway station. Investigating officers believe the bike had been thrown onto the line from a nearby bridge. The train involved was the 20:08 Liverpool Street to Clacton service.
Around 7.40pm on Tuesday 28 October, BTP received a report of a train striking a shopping trolley on the line in the Springfield area. The train involved was the 18:38 Liverpool Street to Clacton service.
Although no-one was injured as a result of the incidents, both trains were damaged, causing delays.
BTP Sergeant Anna Granger, one of the investigating officers, said:
“Placing objects on railway tracks is extremely dangerous and can have terrible consequences if a train is derailed.
“Those involved with these activities are not only risking a criminal conviction, they are risking their lives.
“We have made local enquiries and spoken with witnesses and we are also asking for help from any members of the public who may have information that can assist our investigation to come forward.
“We have increased plain clothes and high visibility patrols in the area to combat this dangerous activity and we encourage those who think it is fun to think about the consequences.
The National Express East Anglia Head of Safety, Andy Sanders, stated that:
“Throwing large objects onto a railway line is a criminal act that can have very serious consequences. National Express East Anglia is working closely with British Transport Police to help identify the persons responsible for the recent incidents in the Chelmsford area.
“These incidents have damaged trains and caused serious delays for our customers. There is, however, the potential for someone to be seriously injured by these reckless and irresponsible acts. I would therefore encourage anyone who has information that could help identify the persons responsible for this vandalism to contact British Transport Police.”

Anyone who may have witnessed or has information relating to these incidents is asked to contact British Transport Police on Freephone 0800 40 50 40 quoting background incident B3 of 29/10/08 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.