Rock Thrown At Train Near Portsmouth

12 March 2014, 18:56 | Updated: 12 March 2014, 18:58

British Transport Police officers are trying to find out who damaged a train as it travelled between Portsmouth and Brighton.

Shortly before 9pm on Tuesday (11 March), the 8.32pm Portsmouth and Southsea to Brighton service was struck by an object shortly after it left Bedhampton station.

Detective Sergeant Dave Peek, leading the investigation, said:

“The service had just left Bedhampton station and was heading for Havant.

“As the train went round the bend and passed under the footbridge in Staunton Road, an object was thrown from the bridge and hit the left-hand driver’s window, causing considerable damage.

“Luckily, the driver was not injured, but he was understandably shaken up, and the train had to be taken out of service to be fixed.”

It caused £500 worth of damage and police are trying to find out who threw it.

Officers carried out a check of the local area but didn't find anyone. It's thought the item thrown, which has not been located, was small, possibly the size of a stone or rock.

DS Peek said:

“Fortunately on this occasion no one was injured as a result of these foolish actions, but the consequences could have been much worse.

“This was an extremely dangerous act which put the driver and passengers on the train in danger.

“The driver of the train reported seeing a person or people on the bridge at the time of the incident and I would like to appeal to anyone who may know who is responsible, or saw anything suspicious in the area at the time to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40