POLICE are appealing for information after a train’s windscreen was smashed by a yob throwing an object from a railway bridge near Darlington.

The incident happened at Firthmoor Rail Bridge in Firthmoor on the outskirts of Darlington.

PC Ryan Griffiths, the investigating officer from the British Transport Police said: "The incident took place on Tuesday, 17 June at around 5.20pm. The 16:30 Saltburn to Bishop Auckland train was passing under the bridge when an object was thrown at the train from the bridge.

"The object bounced off the windscreen, smashing the glass. The train had to be taken out of service at Darlington to be fixed. Fortunately no-one was injured."

Police are keen to find those responsible as officers are concerned that they do not realise the dangers of throwing objects at moving trains.

Emphasising the seriousness of such acts, PC Griffiths added: "Fortunately on this occasion, no one was injured as a result; however the consequences could have been far worse.

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

"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 is asked to contact British Transport Police by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016 quoting background log PSUB/B2 of 18/06/2014. Alternatively, information can be passed to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.