POLICE have sent out a warning to stay off railway tracks after children were seen putting stones and bottles in the path of oncoming trains.

The warning comes after after three separate incidents where concrete slabs, bricks, metal and wood have been placed on the track in Abergavenny over the past fortnight.

During the most recent incident last Wednesday, a passenger train struck a number of items which had been left on the rails.

On Tuesday, 1 July, a train driver reported seeing children hiding at the side of the railway before placing objects – including stones and bottles - on the tracks near Coed Glas Lane.

Then, on Wednesday, 9 July, officers responded to reports of debris being scattered next to the line just outside Abergavenny railway station. The third incident occurred later that evening at the same place, when a train struck a number of objects including large concrete slabs, bricks, metal and wood.

As a result of that incident, trains in the area had to be put on stop as officers cleared the debris from the tracks.

Inspector Mike Jones, of British Transport Police, said: “These were reckless and extremely stupid acts of vandalism which could so easily have resulted in tragedy.

“Those responsible not only put the lives of rail passengers and staff at risk, but also caused unnecessary delays and disruption to people’s journeys.

“I would urge those who think that throwing objects onto railway lines is fun, or a good way to dispose of their household items, to think about the consequences of their actions, which could result in serious injury or someone being killed.

“We will be stepping up patrols in the area to try and catch those responsible and we have been conducting local enquiries into the incidents.

“I would like to appeal to anyone who may know who is responsible, or saw anything suspicious in the area, to get in touch.”

Anyone with information about this incident should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting reference WSUB/B8 of 17/07/2014. Alternatively, information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.