Passenger train travelling at 110mph '˜lucky not to derail' after it hit bike on tracks in Northants

A passenger train travelling at 110mph was 'extremely lucky' not to derail after it ploughed into a bicycle that had been thrown onto the tracks in Northamptonshire, a British Transport Police sergeant said.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Mar 2016, 15:47 BST
Updated 9th Mar 2016, 15:51 BST
East Midlands Trains GV NNL-140828-133747001East Midlands Trains GV NNL-140828-133747001
East Midlands Trains GV NNL-140828-133747001

The East Midlands train, travelling between London St Pancras to Nottingham, was damaged and the service was delayed for 70 minutes after the incident between Desborough in Kettering just after 8.15pm on Tuesday, February 23.

Services in the area also had to be rerouted while this took place causing further delays of over 200 minutes on the network and misery for commuters.

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Sergeant Mark Rushin said: “The train struck a bike which we believe had been thrown down into the path of the train from an overbridge. The train struck it on full speed and we are extremely lucky that the train stayed on the tracks and no-on was injured or even killed.

“It’s vital that we trace whoever is responsible for this reckless, dangerous and criminal behaviour.

“If you witnessed the incident, saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, or have any information that may help our enquiries, I would urge you to contact us. “

Any witnesses, or anyone with any information can contact BTP on 0800 405040 or text 61016, quoting reference 555 of 23/2. Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.