Appeal to find railway trespassers who forced train to stop near Shirley - The Solihull Observer

Appeal to find railway trespassers who forced train to stop near Shirley

Solihull Editorial 10th Jun, 2015 Updated: 21st Oct, 2016   0

BRITISH Transport Police are appealing for help to identify two men who forced a train into an emergency stop after the driver spotted them cutting down trees.

The driver of the 11.10am Stratford-upon-Avon to Stourbridge Junction service was forced to brake suddenly when he spotted the men on the approach to Shirley station on Monday, May 11.

The men, who had no authority to be on the line, were using chainsaws to cut down the trees and wearing noise-cancelling ear protectors making it impossible for them to hear oncoming trains.

They continued to chop down the trees after the train had come to a stop, but left the scene before police arrived.




However, the driver of the train was able to take a picture of the duo on his cameraphone.

Sergeant Andy Roberts said: “I cannot stress enough just how dangerous the actions of these men were.


“Fortunately for them, the train driver acted quickly to bring the train to a halt. Had he not done so, we could have been dealing with a very serious incident indeed.

“Trespass and obstruction of the railway is a serious matter. We need to find the men involved, please tell us who they are.”

Officers have spoken to people in the area and contacted local businesses, but are continuing to make enquiries to find out who the men are.

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference MSUB/B6 of 09/06/2015 alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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