A TRAIN driver escaped injury when a brick was hurled at her window.

British Transport Police (BTP) say lives were put at risk on the Southport to Hunts Cross service soon after 12.15am yesterday.

The driver was let shocked and upset when the brick struck as she was travelling at 50mph under the Knowsley Road bridge near to Cressington Railway Station.

Inspector Gary Jones, of BTP, said: “Any type of vandalism is completely unacceptable, but when it comes in the form of items being thrown at trains then it takes on a whole different perspective.

“I cannot overstate just how dangerous throwing objects at a moving train is.

“Fortunately, in this case, nobody was harmed, but we could easily have been dealing with more serious repercussions.

“There is no doubt that had the brick entered the cab, the driver could have been seriously injured – or worse.”

He added: “Passengers and rail staff should not have to worry about objects being thrown at trains and we will do everything in our power to locate the culprit.

“We are following a number of lines of enquiry, but would also ask for the public to help by providing any information.

“This time the driver, and the passengers, escaped uninjured – the next time, we may not be as fortunate.”

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.