A PACKED passenger train narrowly escaped disaster when vandals flung a brick through its front windscreen, injuring the driver.

The driver of the Virgin train was showered with glass and was forced to slam on the brakes as he made his approach into Darlington.

Seconds earlier, he had sounded his horn when he spotted three youngsters playing "chicken" on the line in Albert Hill where the object was thrown.

He received superficial cuts to his face, but did not require hospital treatment.

Police said the attack on the 6.40pm Newcastle to Bristol train was one of three similar incidents in the same location which took place on Thursday night.

Between 7.20pm and 8.30pm, an Arriva Saltburn to Newcastle train was hit by an object thrown by vandals, breaking a window. Stones were also thrown at a GNER train, but no damage was caused.

The Virgin driver had to go back to Newcastle to exchange the front and back locomotives, causing a delay of nearly two hours.

Detective Sergeant Alan Darlington, of British Transport Police, said: "The attack endangered the safety of everybody who was on board."

Police have issued a description of one of the three youths, who are all described as being between 13 and 14 years old.

The suspect is about 5ft 3ins, of thin build with a thin face, with black hair and was wearing a dark top.

Any witnesses should contact British Transport Police on (0800) 405040.