RECKLESS vandals who smashed a train’s windscreen as it passed over a 200ft high viaduct have been slammed for putting passengers’ lives in danger.

A window on the Northern Rail train was smashed by a stone as it crossed Horden Viaduct in County Durham on Monday evening.

Although no-one was injured during the incident, police are now appealing for help tracing those responsible.

The incident happened just before 5.30pm as the 16.16 service from Nunthorpe to Carlisle was passing over the Edwardian bridge.

PC Steve Maddison, of British Transport Police, said: " Stones were thrown at the train, one of which smashed the outer glass of one of the train's windows.

"Fortunately no-one was injured and the train managed to continue to Newcastle where it was taken out of service to be fixed .The passengers on board were transferred to another service to complete their journeys to Carlisle."

PC Maddison added: "We are keen to find those responsible. Fortunately on this occasion, no one was injured as a result; however the consequences could have been far worse.

"This was an extremely foolish and dangerous act, which put the driver and passengers on the train in danger. It inconvenienced passengers on board whose journeys were delayed following this incident, and cost the train operator time and money to fix the smashed window.

"I would like to appeal to anyone who may have been in the Horden Viaduct area at the time, and who may have seen anything suspicious to get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.