25.01.08
Reward offered: attempted derailment - Llanbradach, Wales
British Transport Police are continuing to appeal for information following the incident at Llanbradach on 4 January 2008, when a train almost derailed after striking obstructions placed on the line.
A £5,000 reward has been offered by Arriva Trains Wales and Network Rail for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any offender(s).
At about 2105hrs on Friday, 4 Janaury 2008, British Transport Police responded to a report of a train striking objects on the line near to Llanbradach station, Caerphilly.
The train involved was an Arriva Train Wales passenger train travelling from Penarth to Rhymney with approximately 60 passengers on board.
BTP with Arriva Trains Wales safely escorted the passengers from the train and along the tracks to waiting coaches.
T/Detective Sergeant Mark Cleland from British Transport Police, said: “The impact was so severe that it disabled the train. The line was closed for three hours. Fortunately, there were no reports of casualities.
"We are treating this incident as serious and suspicious. We would urge you to ring British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 405040, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with any information that could help our enquiries. Please quote log 514 4/1/08.
“Did you notice anyone acting suspiciously near the tracks earlier on in the day? Was anyone seen carrying objects?
"We are urging the community as well to help catch those responsible.”
Arriva Trains Wales Security Manager Gwilym Bowen, said: “Arriva Trains Wales is pleased to support any action that brings the perpetrators of the attempted derailment at Llanbradach to justice. The lives of our passengers and staff were put at risk by their actions and we are pleased to join Network Rail in providing a reward of £5,000 to enable a successful prosecution. We would urge members of the public to come forward with the information we need.”
BTP has already arrested 11 people from the Llanbradach area in connection with the incident.
A man aged 19 and a juvenile aged 12 were arrested on 8 January on suspicion of endangering safety with intent. Both have been bailed pending further police enquiries until 15 February 2008.
Nine other people were arrested on 18 January also on suspicion of endangering safety with intent. They are aged between 13 and 20 years old. All have been bailed until 4 March 2008 pending further police enquiries.
T/DS Cleland added: "We would like to pay tribute to the passengers for their co-opertation and patience during the evacuation, as they had to stay on the train for about an hour, until the scene was made safe and secure. They acted impeccably while being evacuated along over 100 metres of track in the dark. The train driver and conductor also did a marvellous job and acted very professionally."
Witness posters advertising the reward are being placed at Cardiff, Llanbradach and Caerphilly stations.
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