Police hunt youths who tied ladder to railway tracks

The driver of an Edinburgh-bound train was unable to stop in time to avoid the ladder, which caused damage to the tracks. Photograph: British Transport Police

Police are hunting four youths who tied a ladder to a railway line, risking a “catastrophic” accident.

Detectives said the dangerous stunt could have derailed the train near Livingston North station, 15 miles west of Edinburgh, on Monday 3 April.

The driver was unable to stop the Edinburgh-bound train and went over the ladder, causing superficial damage to the tracks.

British Transport police tweeted a picture of the mangled ladder in an attempt to trace the youths.

Catastrophe narrowly avoided.

Help us trace the reckless youths who tied a ladder to the tracks at Livingston North https://t.co/omvWrvj2XW pic.twitter.com/8FE2fMGLY9

— BTP Scotland (@BTPScotland) April 13, 2017

Constable Craig Wilson, of the British Transport police, said: “I am keen to trace the reckless youths who thought it was clever to place this ladder on the tracks.

“It might have seemed like fun but the consequences could have been catastrophic.

“Although only superficial damage was caused to the tracks, the ladder could have easily been propelled onto the platform and struck a member of the public. Not to mention the fact that this train could have been derailed.”

Wilson added: “From speaking with witnesses and viewing available CCTV, it appears four youths were seen to tether this ladder to the tracks. They stuck around to witness their handiwork and then quickly left.

“If you have any information on who is responsible then I would urge you to get in touch. Text us their names or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”