Northern is appealing for information after a group of vandals caused “major disruption” and numerous service cancellations by throwing a log at a train travelling at 100mph through Bolton yesterday.
According to train providers Northern and Network rail the incident happened on the Manchester side of Farnworth Tunnel in Bolton just before 6.30pm on Monday, and it resulted in a smashed window and caused a brief fire on the service – which was travelling from Blackpool North to Hazel Grove with more than 100 passengers on-board.
Fortunately no one was hurt in the incident – which is now being investigated by British Transport Police – and everyone was safely evacuated from the train, before it was moved from the scene so that repairs to the railway could take place.
As well as damaging the train, the vandals also wrecked more than 200 metres of the complex web of 25,000 volt overhead electric cable which power trains, as well as the structures and equipment which hold them up.
Network Rail engineers worked throughout the night to get the wires fixed.
ADVERTISEMENT
📸These pictures are the reason trains between Bolton and Manchester were severely delayed❌🚆
🚨Vandals threw a log into the path of an oncoming @northernassist train near Farnworth Tunnel last night 😲
More than 31 other trains were delayed as a result of the incident on Monday evening and into yesterday morning.
Trains were cancelled for hundreds of passengers due to “major disruption”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Speaking on the incident and appealing for information, Chris Jackson – Regional Director at Northern – said: “This was totally reckless behaviour by mindless individuals who gave no thought for other people’s safety [and] the consequences of a log hitting a fast-moving train are potentially devastating.
“I urge anyone with information as to the identities of those responsible to contact British Transport Police.”
The incident happened on the Manchester side of Farnworth Tunnel just before 6.30pm on Monday / Credit: Northern
“I’m disgusted by this dangerous and reckless act of vandalism, as the people responsible put the safety of our passengers and colleagues at risk,” added Network Rail’s North West route director, Phil James.
ADVERTISEMENT
“They have caused thousands of pounds of damage to the railway infrastructure and significantly disrupted services travelling between Manchester and Bolton.
“We are working closely with the British Transport Police to catch the culprits.”
You can contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, or alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Emily Sergeant -
16th March 2022 
