Police hunt train crash vandals

Police are hunting vandals who nearly derailed a passenger train by leaving a metal object in its path.

British Transport Police (BTP) launched an investigation after an Arriva train crashed into the obstruction on the track close to Llanbradach station, near Caerphilly, south Wales.

The train was carrying about 60 passengers when it hit what was described as "a large, heavy metal grease pot".

A BTP spokeswoman said the passengers on the Penarth to Rhymney train had to leave the stricken train and walk to safety.

She said: "The impact was so severe it rendered the train disabled.

"This is considered a significant attempt to derail a train and British Transport Police are treating it as extremely serious.

"The offence of endangering the safety of passengers is punishable with life imprisonment."

Investigating officers are carrying out an examination of the scene and the train.

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