A TRAIN hit two 25 litre drums of water and two bags of cement that had been deliberately placed on the track.

British Transport Police are appealing for witnesses after a train narrowly escaped being damaged after it hit the items that had been left on the track at Atherton Signal Box.

The incident happened at around 6.45pm on February 1 when the 6.11pm service from Manchester Victoria to Wigan Wallgate struck the items.

Investigating officer PC Carl Roach said: “It was extremely fortunate there were no injuries to passengers and that the train was not damaged.

“This could have so easily been more serious. It is vital we find those responsible for this reckless and dangerous act. We will use all necessary resources to find them and bring them to justice.

“Acts like this that potentially put the lives of rail staff and passengers in danger will simply not be tolerated.

"We urge anyone who knows anything about the incident, or who might have seen any suspicious activity around the time of the incident, to come forward to help us with our enquiries."

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or British Transport Police on 0800 405040, or text 61016, quoting background reference PSUB/B3 of 6/02/15.