STOCKTON has been identified as a trouble hotspot for vandals who are endangering lives on the railway.

British Transport Police said there were more hazardous incidents on the tracks between Norton and the town's Bowesfield area than anywhere else in the north of England.

Officers are called when youths block the tracks with obstacles such as bricks and metal bars, throw stones at passing trains or risk their lives by trespassing on the track.

In the North-East there were 345 incidents which involved people either putting obstacles on the track or throwing missiles at trains, between April last year and January

Police concerns have been raised because 102 of these incidents were in Stockton.

During the Easter holiday period the Middlesbrough branch of the force has increased its patrols along the line in an effort to combat the menace.

Sergeant Nigel Ashworth, of the British Transport Police, is leading the initiative to improve rail safety.

Sgt Ashworth said: "Some of these kids don't seem to realise what the implications would be if a passenger train overturned because of the things they have put on the track.

"It would be disastrous. People would be killed and there would be a massive investigation to find out why it happened and catch those responsible.

"Not only that, there are a lot of trains carrying chemicals that use the lines and if they were derailed it could have a severe impact on the wider community."

Earlier this month vandals were arrested after they threw a bicycle in the path of a train.

The cycle hit the train but did not cause any damage.

When Sgt Ashworth visited the scene in Yarm Road, Stockton, he found a tree stump, concrete, metal bars, gas canisters and wood strewn across the tracks.

Four 13-year-olds have been bailed pending further inquiries.

The campaign to raise awareness of the dangers will be stepped up next month with leaflets being delivered to homes near the area.

A documentary about a man who lost an arm and a leg when he was struck by a train at Croft, near Darlington, last year, being planned.

The documentary will be shown on prime time television then used in schools as an educational film.

Anyone who sees any suspicious activity on the railways can call 0800 405040.