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Yobs hurl stones at trains in Telford
Monday 11th April 2011, 7:24PM BST.
Telford Central railway station
Yobs have smashed windows and put passengers in danger by hurling stones at trains in Telford, transport police today revealed.
British Transport Police said train drivers were left shaken after the attacks on three trains in Wellington on Tuesday and another passing a bridge off Copper Beech Road, in Ketley, on Wednesday.
One badly damaged train had to be taken out of service on Tuesday evening, causing delays and disruption to Shrewsbury-Birmingham services.
Sergeant John Caisley, one of British Transport Police’s investigating officers, today confirmed that officers were stepping up patrols in the area and issued a stark warning to the stone-throwers.
Mr Caisley said: “These dangerous incidents left the train drivers understandably shaken.
“We urge those who think that throwing stones and other objects at passing trains is fun to consider the consequences of their actions, which could have been much worse.
“Offenders who throw objects at trains not only risk seriously injuring passengers and staff but are risking a prison term.”
Carriage windows were broken in all three of the attacks in Wellington on Tuesday and the outside of a window on the 2.05pm Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury train was damaged in Wednesday’s incident at a bridge known locally as the Zigzag Footbridge.
British Transport Police today vowed to hunt the criminals behind the attacks and urged any residents with information about the incidents, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, to come forward.
Mr Caisley added: “I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time or who can help identify those responsible to contact us as a matter of urgency.”
Detectives can be contacted free on British Transport Police’s 0800 405040 number, quoting incident B2/WWA of April 11. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
By Danny Carden
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School holidays have started, I see.
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How do we know that the offenders were ‘yobs’, indicating young people?
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@ Barbara
We don’t know, but past experience would suggest that it is highly unlikely that the acts of attempted murder (that’s what they are and what the culprits should be tried for if they’re caught) were carried out by a group of OAPs….
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No surprises, its half-term and throwing stones at trains, dropping rocks off motorway bridges and scribbling on walls is all some kids can find to do in the holidays.
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…I know, in the good old days they could have entertained themselves by setting fire to a youth club….
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Yob – back slang for boy and therefore indicative of a youth.
That said, what are you getting at? I expect the train driver or passengers saw these idiots and recognised them for what they are. I doubt its a case of insulting the young for the sake of it.
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Why would it indicate young people? Words’ meanings change over time. Perhaps they were gay yobs, by which I mean they were happy.
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I live in the ketley area and this has been happening for years and they decide now to take action against these young and nieve persons.I have noticed the police in the area so well done to them. All we need now is to catch them….
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Barbara, yobs does not mean young people! this was yobbish behavour if not worse, therefore commited by YOBS! thats how we know.
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Barbara, just so you realise that we live in the real world, I am an ex railwayman and school holidays are dreaded by all of us, not just the constant attempts at fare dodging, but placing objects on the line and throwing missiles at trains.
I have seen for myself very large groups of teenagers and younger throwing stones at my trains, placing traffic cones and even wheelie bins on the track, anything they can get their hands on, shout out the window at them as we pass at reduced speed and all you get in return is a 1 finger salute. It is young people not adults that do this.
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Maybe the yobs will think twice when they kill someone and have a manslaughter charge against them. Pure scum.
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in my area Yobs are 60 plus and play chess, they create mayhem down the local park every friday
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That’s what I want to do when I’m old. I’m going to model myself on Harry Enfields ‘Old Gits’. Sitting in the park scaring young mums & tripping up kids. Bring it on. Only 30 years to go. Can’t wait!
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If or when these “deadbeats” are caught no more soft soap treatment lock them up for 6 months and give them some hard work to do ,no X -box,Facebook etc.
They won’t rest until someone gets killed as a result of their foolish antics.
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60 year old yobs, lol that has got to be the funniest comment I have ever read on here.
Just imagine the terrible things they must get up to, like waving bus passes at younger people, or threatening to use walking aids in the road instead of the pavement, or heaven forbid using abusive language like “Oi you, stop being a teenager”
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