TRESPASSERS have been putting rail passengers in danger.

Northern has revealed that services in the North of England struck 97 objects in the past twelve months (October 2023 to October 2024).

Whilst only 10 of these incidents caused damage to carriages, they each represent a risk to safety and the train operator says some items have even been ‘deliberately’ placed on the track.

Matt Rice, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “Our trains travel at high speed and any item on the track represents a risk to the train and the safety of everyone on-board.

“Whilst some items might end up on the tracks due to high winds or accidents – some are deliberately placed there by people with no regard for the safety of others.

“Those people should know that the majority of our trains are now fitted with external CCTV cameras and that footage can be viewed by British Transport Police in real time.

“We would appeal to anyone committing this senseless activity to stop – and remind them that it is a criminal offence to trespass on the railway.”

Among the items that trains came into contact with were bicycles, a wheelie bin, bricks, fence panels, a garden gate, road signs, shopping trollies and traffic cones.

Carriages that suffer damage have to be taken out of passenger service for repair.

Northern, whose services reach more than 500 stations, urge anyone who witnesses items being thrown on the tracks to contact British Transport Police immediately by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

Rail users can also download the British Transport Police ‘Railway Guardian’ app, an all-in-one safety app that allows users to report crimes or concerns on the rail network, share journeys with trusted contacts and get access to news, guides and support.