VANDALS have caused thousands of pounds of damage to a train after planting highly explosive gas cylinders on North-East rail tracks.

Police were called after a train, on the Tyne and Wear Metro network, collided with three propane gas containers.

Detective Chief Inspector Howard Jobson, of Gateshead police, said: "This could have so easily had tragic consequences.

"We would appeal for any witnesses of anyone with any information to call us."

The crash happened at about 8pm on Tuesday as the train pulled out of Heworth station and headed for Felling, near Gateshead.

Passengers were left stranded for more than an hour and electrical systems on the train, including lights, were knocked out.

Police officers recovered the three orange cylinders from the scene and forensic scientists began investigations yesterday.

A spokesman for Metro system operator Nexus said: "Our driver reported hitting what he said were several propane gas cylinders, which had been placed on the track side.

"He immediately stopped the train to examine the damage and saw there was an air leak from the brakes and naturally he couldn't move the train.

"He got fitters down to examine it and they could not repair it on the track side, so we took the train out of service and replaced it."

It caused major disruption to the Metro system for more than an hour.

"Police are investigating but is more likely to be mindless pranksters," he said. "It was a very dangerous act."

Anyone with information about the cylinders is asked to contact Gateshead police on 0191-454 7555, extension 64143.