Reward as brick thrown at train injures driver: Hockley
(SS5 - Tuesday, 2 December, 2008)

British Transport Police has released a further appeal for witnesses after a large brick was thrown at a moving train near to Hockley railway station, smashing the drivers cab window and narrowly missing the driver.

A £1,000 reward has been offered by National Express East Anglia for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any offender(s).

The incident happened at around 8pm on Friday 17 October, and involved a non passenger train working between Gidea Park and Southend Victoria. The brick is believed to have been thrown from the overbridge on White Hart Lane, which is just after the station towards Rochford.

The driver was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated for shock and an injury to his eye, which happened as a result of the glass shattering.

Sergeant James Tyrrell of British Transport Police, said:

"This is a very serious incident that has left a train driver, who was simply doing his job, injured and suffering shock.

"We would urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around the area at the time of the incident to come forward as soon as possible."

National Express East Anglia's Head of Safety, Andy Sanders, said:

"Throwing large objects onto a railway line is a criminal act that can have very serious consequences. National Express East Anglia is working closely with British Transport Police to help identify the persons responsible for the incident.

"These incidents have damaged trains and caused serious delays for our customers. There is, however, the potential for someone to be seriously injured by these reckless and irresponsible acts.

"I would therefore encourage anyone who has information that could help identify the persons responsible for this vandalism to contact British Transport Police."

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. All calls will be treated in confidence.

Police Force: British Transport Police (BTP)

Address:
Overbridge
White Hart Lane
Hockley
ESSEX
SS5