Police hunt 3 youths after railway incident

May 29 2008 By Graham Fraser

COPS investigating the injury of a train driver in Blantyre two weeks ago have issued descriptions of three boys they are keen to identify.

The youths were seen near the railway bridge at Blantyre Farm Road around 7.10pm on Wednesday, May 14.

About that time, a passing train travelling at 60mph struck a heavy metal object suspended from the bridge.

The windscreen of the train smashed and the 37-year-old driver was showered with glass.

He was taken to Wishaw General Hospital for treatment to his face and his eyes and was later released.

Fortunately, the man was driving a set of empty carriages at the time of the incident.

The three youths being hunted by the police are all believed to be aged between 12 and 14 years.

The first has dark or brown curly hair. He was wearing a black track suit with green piping and what appeared to be a signed green and white hooped top.

The second boy the police are looking for has black hair and was wearing a white round necked t-shirt and dark tracksuit bottoms.

The third youth has short blond or fair hair and was wearing a white top.

Detective Inspector John Harrington of British Transport Police, who is leading the investigation, said: “The response from the people of Blantyre has been excellent and we now have information to suggest that all three are local lads. I would also ask parents if they believe one of these three young lads to be your son to contact me. This may well be a teenage prank that could so easily have had fatal consequences and it is vital we identify and speak to the three youths described.

“I am appealing for anyone who knows the three youths or recognises their descriptions to contact British Transport Police as soon as possible.”

Last week, a substantial reward was offered to find the youths.

First ScotRail put up £1000 to assist the British Transport Police investigation.

The reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

British Transport Police can be contacted on 0800 405040 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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