VANDALS PUT LIVES AT RISK

And Councillor Mairead O'Dowd has urged people to notify the authorities if they see this happening to prevent a possible tragedy.

A train had a window broken after it came under attack by stone throwers on Sunday.

The police have appealed for witnesses after the 2.45pm train from Portadown was struck as it passed the Kilmaine footbridge around 3pm.

There were no reports of any injuries and the police want to hear from anyone who can help identify the culprits and have also called on parents to dissuade children from getting involved in such attacks.

Councillor O’Dowd, chair of the Craigavon Community Safety Partnership condemned the stoning.

She said: "The fact that a window of the train was cracked indicates the potential danger that this type of attack poses both to the driver and to passengers.

"Had the driver been injured there is no telling what the repercussions could have been, given that the incident happened within a short distance of the busy rail-crossing at Lake Street, Bell's Row and Lurgan station.

"Anyone with information on the incident or who witnesses this type of behaviour in the future should notify the authorities immediately in the interest of preventing a tragedy.”

She added: "Translink have carried out a lot of safety work along the railway line in this area but unfortunately the fence close to the foot-bridge has not stopped some youths gaining access to the lines, by climbing down the fence from the first platform level of the bridge.

"This flaw in the fencing needs to be examined to see if a solution can be found.”

A Translink spokeswoman added: "We condemn all attacks on our vehicles, property and employees.

"The health and safety of all our passengers and employees is of top priority at all times.

"We would appeal to the public to remind others in the community of the dangers of engaging in anti-social activity."

Translink operate a cash reward scheme offering up to 1,000 to any member of the public who witness any incident of trespass, vandalism or assault against a member of staff and is prepared to give evidence in court, resulting in a conviction.

The spokeswoman added: "We encourage people to report incidents of vandalism to the PSNI and the company."

Meanwhile on Saturday, a vehicle was hijacked near the Lake Street crossing.

The white van was being driven through the crossing shortly before 7pm when two masked youths approached it.

They threatened the driver of the van and forced him to get out before getting into the van themselves.

They drove the van a short distance before abandoning it and making off.

The police have appealed for information, they can be contacted on 0845 600 8000 or information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.