Attack on train driver condemned

A train driver has been injured after a being struck by a brick on a railway line in County Down.

The brick was thrown through the window of his train at Marino Halt on the Bangor side of Holywood around 8.30pm on Monday, January 7.

The driver was taken to Belfast City Hospital with extensive cuts to his face.

A spokesman for the bus and rail company Translink said the attack was “deplorable” and that “on this occasion thankfully the driver was able to control the train,” adding that had the driver not acted quickly, the incident could have had “horrific consequences”.

The spokesman added they are calling on anyone who had witnessed the incident to come forward. The rail company offers a reward of up to £1,000 for anyone who will work in co-operation with the police and act as a witness to such incidents.

Last year, there were a number of attacks on trains in the province, which Translink described as “worrying”.

Between August 2001 and January 2002 Translink reported 125 stone throwing attacks on trains throughout the province. As a result of these attacks 25 passengers and 10 train drivers were injured.

SDLP Regional Development spokesperson Joe Byrne said: “Over recent months there has been an unacceptable increase in the number of attacks against Translink and I would appeal to anyone with information on this incident to pass it on to the police service.

“The individuals responsible for this attack are a menace to public transport users and they must be apprehended before there is a serious accident resulting in loss of life.” (AMcE)