Cambridge police launch investigation after multiple trains were struck by projectiles
Drivers raise safety concerns as projectiles ‘aimed at’ services close to Cambridge North station, damaging trains.
Transport police are investigating a series of incidents in which trains were struck by projectiles in Cambridge.
Services operated by Greater Anglia and Great Northern were hit between Cambridge and Cambridge North stations, with reports of up to 20 carriages damaged. British Transport Police said there had been no reported injuries.
Reports have speculated that the damage may have been caused by metal ball bearings, or airgun pellets. Damage to a train on Sunday appeared to show the projectile had struck but not penetrated the train windows.
A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “We have been contacted with reports of trains being hit with projectiles near Cambridge North railway station.
“Officers have attended the area, and full searches have been conducted, however no one has been identified in connection.
“Damage has been caused to trains, however there have been no reported injuries. Enquiries are ongoing.”
The Telegraph reported that the incidents had occurred over the past three weekends and had led to drivers refusing to operate trains through the area until whoever was responsible was caught.
Nigel Gibson, an organiser for the train drivers’ union Aslef in the east of England, told the Telegraph: “Our members raised very serious concerns for the safety of passengers and train crew after a series of incidents just south of Cambridge North station when projectiles were aimed at – and hit – services on the line.
“We are working closely with Greater Anglia and the other operators to resolve this problem as quickly as possible.”
The 2.3-mile two-track railway line between Cambridge and Cambridge North stations passes light industrial estates, various residential areas including houses and flats, a lake, a church and about a mile of parkland and common ground.
A Greater Anglia spokesperson said: “We are investigating isolated incidents of damage to some train services travelling between Cambridge and Cambridge North stations. We are working with British Transport Police to identify the cause and what, if any, further action is necessary.”
A Govia Thameslink Railway spokesperson for Great Northern said: “We can confirm that train services between Cambridge and King’s Lynn were disrupted on Sunday night by an incident near Cambridge North that the police have been investigating.
“Trains were delayed or cancelled in the area from around 5.40pm on Sunday. This put our trains out of position for their normal startup on Monday morning so services were disrupted. We’re supporting the British Transport Police with their investigation.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact British Transport Police by either calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111, quoting reference number 689 of 1 February 2024.
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