Driver hurt in attack

A train driver suffered serious facial injuries after a yob threw a brick or masonry from a bridge at Kidderminster, smashing the windscreen and showering him with glass.

The driver, aged 56, who has not been named, was forced to bring the locomotive to a halt at Offmore Road in the town after the attack at 10.20pm last night.

It happened as he was driving a train transporting freight from Llanwern Exchange Sidings to Round Oak steel terminal at Brierley Hill.

Paramedics treated him at the scene before he was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital at Worcester where he was said to be stable today.

West Mercia Police, who are working with British Transport Police on the investigation into the incident, closed off a nearby footpath near Kidderminster Harriers Aggborough Stadium ground.

A spokeswoman for West Mercia Police, Lynne Masters, today said: "At first it was though the driver's injuries might be life-threatening but he was said to be stable today.

"We are appealing for anyone who saw anyone in the vicinity of the railway line at that time to come forward."

British Transport Police said they were treating the incident as suspicious while further enqiries were being made and asked anyone with information to call on Freefone 0800 405060 when all calls would be treated in confidence.