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MP attack on rail crash vandals Two wanted over train derail bid
(about 6 hours later)
Caerphilly MP Wayne David has condemned vandals who placed a large metal object on the rail line causing a train to crash. Two youths are being sought by British Transport Police investigating the attempted derailment of a train near Caerphilly, south Wales.
About 60 rail passengers had to be led to safety after the crash close to Llanbradach station on Friday night. The train's rear coach momentarily left the track in the incident close to Llanbradach station and 60 passengers had to be led to safety.
Police, who are examining CCTV footage, said the incident was a "significant attempt" at a derailment. MP Wayne David has condemned the vandals and a reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
Mr David said it was clear people could have been killed: "We were lucky this time, but next time we might not be." Police have been viewing CCTV footage as part of their investigation.
The incident happened at 2105 GMT on Friday when the Arriva train service from Penarth to Rhymney struck a large metal grease pot placed on the tracks close to Llanbradach station.
Sgt James Hartson who helped lead passengers off the train and onto coaches, said the rear coach of the two-coach train actually left the track.
Those individuals are clearly dangerous to society and they must be stopped immediately Wayne David
Fortunately, he said the weight of the train carried the coach back on to the track.
"If it was on a bend, it would have toppled over and people could have been killed. Luckily, it was on a straight bit of track," said Sgt Hartson.
MP Mr David also said it was clear people could have been killed: "We were lucky this time, but next time we might not be."
The MP, who has been visiting residents in the area, urged police to spare no effort to catch those responsible for the vandalism.The MP, who has been visiting residents in the area, urged police to spare no effort to catch those responsible for the vandalism.
"I just find it incredible," he said."I just find it incredible," he said.
Those individuals are clearly dangerous to society and they must be stopped immediately Wayne David MP 'Mindless idiots'
"The area, like many other areas, unfortunately is plagued by vandalism but this is going way beyond just vandalism."The area, like many other areas, unfortunately is plagued by vandalism but this is going way beyond just vandalism.
"We could have had a derailment of a train, we could have had a number of people being killed, and how on earth anybody could engage in such activities is beyond me."We could have had a derailment of a train, we could have had a number of people being killed, and how on earth anybody could engage in such activities is beyond me.
"Those individuals are clearly dangerous to society and they must be stopped immediately and the police must make every effort they can to ensure that they identify and stop those responsible.""Those individuals are clearly dangerous to society and they must be stopped immediately and the police must make every effort they can to ensure that they identify and stop those responsible."
The incident happened at 2105 GMT on Friday when the Arriva train service from Penarth to Rhymney struck the grease pot close to the station.
Passengers on the train were led to safety along tracks and then onto coaches.
No-one was injured and an investigation is underway.
'Mindless idiots'
Arriva Train Wales described those responsible as putting lives at risk.Arriva Train Wales described those responsible as putting lives at risk.
A spokesman for the operator added: "Any attempt to derail a train is extremely serious and those responsible have disregard for property and life.A spokesman for the operator added: "Any attempt to derail a train is extremely serious and those responsible have disregard for property and life.
"They obviously didn't consider seriously the consequences of their actions."They obviously didn't consider seriously the consequences of their actions.
"It's difficult to understand and comprehend the actions of these mindless idiots.""It's difficult to understand and comprehend the actions of these mindless idiots."
British Transport Police also described the incident as "extremely serious".
A spokeswoman added: "This is considered a significant attempt to derail a train.
"The offence of endangering the safety of passengers is punishable with life imprisonment."
Anyone with any information relating to the incident is urged to call BTP on 0800 405040.Anyone with any information relating to the incident is urged to call BTP on 0800 405040.