Revealed: shocking injuries of train driver whose cab was hit by a brick at 70mph in Greater Manchester

The injuries suffered by a train driver when his cab was hit by a brick while travelling at 70mph in Greater Manchester have been revealed.

Rail operator Northern has released an image of Ian Birch covered in blood after the shocking incident on the line at Clifton.

Mr Birch suffered cuts to his face but said he could have lost his eyesight or even lost his life due to the brick.

A new appeal has also been launched for information to help bring those responsible to justice.

What happened to Ian Birch?

Mr Birch was driving a Northern train near Clifton on 4 February when vandals threw a brick at the cab, shattering the window.

The train was doing 70mph at the time.

Mr Birch, who works for Northern at its base in Blackburn, was left with cuts to his face.

Miraculously, Mr Birch was able to bring the train to a halt safely and praised the response of a doctor travelling on-board who was able to administer immediate first aid.

What has Mr Birch said?

Mr Birch spoke out about the incident as he returned to work.

He said: “I want the people who did this to see the impact of their actions. I could have been blinded or even killed.

“Someone knows who threw that brick and I urge them to come forward to help ensure the person responsible doesn’t have the chance to endanger more lives with their reckless behaviour.”

New appeal launched and how you can help

Despite the fact that both Northern and the British Transport Police (BTP) have appealed for public help to find the yobs responsible, so far no arrests have been made.

Now, people who might be able to help officers with their inquiries are once again being asked to come forward.

Anyone with information can contact the BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

Alternatively, people can call independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.