Northern has confirmed that one of its drivers has been injured by a brick thrown at the window of a moving train.
The rail operator said the incident happened as the train travelled towards Clifton in Swinton on Friday 4 February at around 10pm, and smashed the windscreen in the process, which caused shards of glass to hit the driver in the face.
The driver was taken to hospital following the incident, but is now recovering at home.
Northern is now urging people to “stop taking risks on the railway”, and is offering a £1,000 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to a conviction.
Speaking on the aftermath of the incident, Chris Jackson – Regional Director at Northern – said: “It’s hard to believe that anyone would put the safety of others at risk by such reckless behaviour [and] the consequences of a brick hitting a fast-moving train are potentially devastating.
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“This was a shocking incident that could have had fatal consequences.”
On Friday, at around 10pm someone threw bricks at one of our trains, near Clifton, hitting the window directly in front of our driver causing shards of glass to hit our driver and lead to them being taken to hospital. This is simply not acceptable and puts many lives at risk ‼️ pic.twitter.com/SZZqus31H6
As well as Northern stepping in to help appeal for further information, it’s also been confirmed that a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation is underway.
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“Officers are currently investigating,” Mr Jackson added.
“I am appealing to anyone with information about either incident to come forward, someone will know who did this and we need to find them before they do something similar which may have far worse consequences.”
Anyone with information can contact the British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.
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Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Northern
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Appeal for information after serious bus-cyclist collision on Deansgate
Daisy Jackson
Police have launched an appeal for information following a serious road traffic collision on Deansgate, which has left a cyclist in critical condition.
Yesterday afternoon reports were made of a crash between a cyclist and a bus on the busy street in Manchester city centre.
The cyclist, who is a man in his 80s, has suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash, and remains in hospital in critical condition.
The crash took place on the junction of Bridge Street and Deansgate at around 12.30pm on Monday 2 November.
A large cordon was in place and Deansgate closed for several hours yesterday.
Police officers are now appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or may have mobile phone or dashcam footage, to come forward.
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting the log number 1510 of 02.11.26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Greater Manchester emergency services issue urgent safety warning ahead of Bonfire Night
Emily Sergeant
An urgent safety warning has been issued by emergency services ahead of Bonfire Night this week.
With Bonfire Night only a few days away now, and fireworks already starting to be let off across the region, Greater Manchester’s emergency services have, once again, come together to launch a campaign urging communities to be safe, and warn against attacking emergency service workers or taking part in anti-social behaviour.
Led by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), in partnership with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), and the region’s 10 local Councils, the Bang Out Of Order campaign highlights the consequences of anti-social behaviour.
Last year, incidents of anti-social behaviour relating to nuisance from fireworks rose by 2% – with 1,020 cases recorded, while attacks on firefighters also sadly increased.
An urgent safety warning has been issued by emergency services ahead of Bonfire Night / Credit: DESIGNECOLOGIST (via Unsplash)
935 fires were also started deliberately between 1 September and 10 November last year, while 767 hoax calls were made to the police and fire service within the same time period.
GMFRS has now issued an urgent safety warning.
Matt Hamer, Director for Community Safety and Training, said: “The Bonfire Night period is one of the busiest times of the year for our emergency services, and we want everyone to enjoy the celebrations safely and responsibly.
“We strongly encourage people to attend organised firework displays and bonfire events wherever possible. If you are planning your own celebrations, it is essential that you follow the Firework Code and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and those around you.
“Deliberately setting fires, misusing fireworks or attacking emergency service workers is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences. Our firefighters are there to protect communities and should never face abuse, violence or intimidation while carrying out their duties.
Emily Sergeant -
8th February 2022 
