Rail disaster averted by alert citizen

AN alert member of the public raised the alarm and averted a potentially disastrous incident on the railway near Warrington.
Train drivers received a warning about a large concrete post which had been thrown on the track at Great Sankey.
Now British Transport Police are appealing for information about the incident around 8.30pm last night (Thursday).
It is believed a number of youths dragged the three foot long post, embedded in a lump of concrete, from nearby woodland and threw it onto the track from a bridge.
The bridge is off Hood Lane, between Burtonwood Road and Cromwell Avenue.
Sgt Andy Tomkins, of BTP said: “It is very fortunate that no trains came into contact with this post as we could have been dealing with an extremely serious incident. An object of this size has the potential to derail a train which could have had tragic consequences.
“Those responsible need to understand that this is not only extremely foolish but a very dangerous act and I would urge the local community to come forward with any information to assist the investigation.
“This is a large object that will require a number of people to remove from the location. Somebody must have seen these youths dragging the post towards the footbridge as it would have taken a significant effort.”
Anyone with information should contact Sergeant Tomkins on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or phone the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.