Explosion After Bike Thrown On Live Rails

13 January 2011, 12:10 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Police have arrested a man after a bicycle was thrown onto the live rail at Woolston railway station, causing an explosion and sending sparks flying.

It happened at about 5.30pm on Friday, 7 January 2011.

Inspector Mick Morriss, based at Southampton BTP station on Blechynden Terrace, said:

"A cycle was thrown onto the tracks, causing an explosion and sending sparks flying five feet into the air.

"Shortly after the cycle was then struck by a non-stop service passing through the station."

"I cannot over-emphasise enough the dangers associated with this type of crime.

"Although through sheer luck no-one was injured and no trains were damaged, Network Rail engineers had to carry out emergency repairs to the tracks, causing delays to services in the area."

A 24-year-old man from Woolston has been arrested on suspicion of endangering safety. He's currently being questioned.
 

Anyone with information can contact BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B3/LSA of 12/01/11.