Northern Trains announce 90% reduction in dangerous attacks- with three Greater Manchester incidents

Northern Trains has announced a huge 90% reduction in dangerous attacks on its trains. The stats come following a year in which the operator added 600 new CCTV cameras to the more than 1,000 already in stations. 

These cameras are also supported by 7,000 new cameras fitted on-board its fleet of trains in 2022. Footage from these cameras can be viewed by British Transport Police in real time.

The huge reduction in incidents has seen the number drop from 69 to just eight. Two of these suspicious incidents involved trains travelling either to or from a station in Manchester, with one involving a train heading to Rochdale. Details of these are below: 

• A service from Manchester Piccadilly to Rose Hill Marple that was struck by stones thrown at Hyde North station

•  service from Southport to Manchester Oxford Road that struck an unknown object at Patricroft

• A service from Clitheroe to Rochdale that collided with a ‘Zimmer’ frame placed on the tracks at Hall 'i' th' Wood

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “Each and every incident recorded represents a serious danger to the passengers and train crew involved and we appeal to anyone involved in this criminal activity to stop. Fortunately, the appetite for committing these senseless acts is clearly in decline – not least of all because the chance of being ‘caught on camera’ is now far greater.

“That said, we certainly won’t be resting on our laurels. These statistics should stand at zero and we will continue to work with community partners across the region and our colleagues at Network Rail to identify the perpetrators and support British Transport Police with any prosecutions brought before the courts.”

Anyone who witnesses items being thrown at trains or sees someone placing items on the track should contact British Transport Police immediately by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.