POLICE say it was lucky nobody was injured when a brick was thrown at a train windscreen as it travelled through a North Somerset village.

British Transport Police (BTP) has issued an appeal after the brick was hurled from a railway bridge in Yatton at about 9.55pm on August 29, forcing the train to be taken out of service with a smashed windscreen.

The incident caused major inconvenience for the passengers on board the 3.08pm Edinburgh to Plymouth service.

The train operator, CrossCountry, is offering a �5,000 reward to anyone providing information leading to a conviction.

Inspector Andy Irwin-Porter, from the BTP, said: “This was an incredibly irresponsible and dangerous act, and it was lucky no-one was injured or killed.

“Thankfully, the driver was not injured but has understandably been left extremely shaken by the incident.

“Officers attended Yatton station after the incident happened and searched the area, as well as conducting house-to-house enquiries. No-one was located but we are determined to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

“I am appealing for anyone who was in the Yatton area around the time of the incident and who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously, or running away from the station, to contact BTP as a matter of urgency.

“We believe this was a deliberate act of vandalism that could have had tragic consequences.

“It is beyond belief that anyone could throw objects at moving trains and we need to trace those responsible before their actions result in serious harm to rail staff or passengers.”

CrossCountry managing director Andy Cooper said: “The possible consequences of this incident are truly terrifying and it is lucky our driver escaped uninjured.

“These vandals must be apprehended before they cause an injury or worse, and I would appeal for anyone with information to contact the BTP urgently.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the BTP on 0800 405040 quoting incident reference 569 of 29/08/2012.