AN attack on a moving train which left the front windscreen shattered was an “extremely foolish and dangerous act”, police have said.

Officers from the British Transport Police (BTP) are appealing for information after an object - thought to be a brick - was thrown from a railway bridge near Darlington, causing serious damage to the Saltburn to Bishop Auckland service on Tuesday, June 17.

The incident happened at Firthmoor rail bridge, on the Firthmoor estate, in Darlington, as the train passed underneath at about 5.20pm.

PC Ryan Griffiths, investigating officer from BTP, said: "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 said they are keen to find those responsible as officers are concerned that they do not realise the dangers of throwing objects at moving trains.

Talking about 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."

An eye-witness who contacted The Northern Echo shortly after the incident described how the driver was left shaken by the incident and had told passengers that a brick had been thrown at the train.

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.