Warning issued after road signs placed on railway tracks

Officers from British Transport Police are issuing a warning after road signs were placed on the tracks and then struck by a train.

The incident happened at approximately 6.15am on Monday 15 May as the 5.50am Great Western Railway service between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple was passing through Yeoford.

As the train went around a bend, the driver noticed the signs on the tracks but was unable to stop in time. The train struck the road signs. It is believed the signs were placed on the tracks between 1.30am and 6.15am the same morning.

Officers are now investigating the circumstances of this incident as well as issuing a warning to anyone who is thinking of placing objects on the tracks.

Investigating officer Sergeant David Mannion, said: “I have no idea why someone would think that this was a sensible idea. Trains travel at high speeds, and objects such as road signs have the potential to cause significant damage to a train or at worst, derail them.

“It is miraculous that nobody was seriously injured or killed as a result of one person’s careless and utterly stupid behaviour. We’re now working hard to identify who this person is and ensure they are brought to justice for their behaviour.

“This is not the first time we have seen road signs being placed on the tracks, and I am convinced that someone knows who is responsible. If you do, then please get in touch.”

If you have any information on this incident, please let us know by sending a text to 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 39 of 15/05/2017. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sergeant Mannion added: “I would particularly like to hear from anyone who may have seen a vehicle or a person acting suspiciously around Yeoford between 11pm and 6am. Likewise, if you know where these signs may have been taken from then please get in touch, as your information could help us identify the person responsible.”