Northern has released images of the shocking injuries sustained by a driver whose train window was shattered by a brick thrown by vandals in Salford.
The images have been released after experienced train driver Ian Birch – who works for the rail provider at the company’s base in Blackburn – was left bloodied with cuts to his face after the shocking incident, which happened as the train travelled at 70mph towards Clifton in Swinton on Friday 4 February at around 10pm.
The brick thrown by vandals smashed the windscreen of the train in the process, which caused shards of glass to hit Mr Birch in the face.
Miraculously, Mr Birch was able to bring the train to a halt safely.
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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
He was taken to hospital for treatment after the incident, but has since praised the response of a doctor travelling on-board who was able to administer immediate first aid to him.
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.”
While Mr Birch has now returned to work, despite multiple appeals for information from Northern and British Transport Police, no arrests have yet been made.
“I want the people who did this to see the impact of their actions,” Mr Birch explained.
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“Someone knows who threw that brick and I urge them to come forward to help ensure the person responsible doesn’t have the chance to endanger more lives with their reckless behaviour.”
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Emily Sergeant -
5th April 2022 
