A shopping trolley thrown onto train tracks near a Kent railway station has caused significant travel disruption in what appears to be the fourth incident of its kind in the space of 10 days.
Southeastern passengers between Ashford and Dover faced huge delays on Tuesday night after a trolley was chucked onto the track near Folkestone West just after 8pm.
While the route to Dover reopened half an hour later, trains to Ashford were blocked for two hours as engineers were forced to inspect damage to the train which struck the trolley.
Southeastern was eventually forced to close the route, with passengers on board the damaged train forced to take rail replacement services.
Kent Online reported three similar incidents involving trolleys at Folkestone West on February 2, 6 and 9. British Transport Police (BTP) is treating them as connected.
A Network Rail spokesperson was quoted as saying: “We are aware of three incidents in Folkestone recently where shopping trolleys have ended up on the railway tracks.
“The people behind this reckless behaviour have not only delayed and damaged trains, but are also putting themselves and innocent passengers in danger.
“In light of these incidents we have increased our security patrols in the area and are working with local retailers to store their trolleys more securely and make sure they’re not left lying around near railway land.”
