British Transport Police have commented on an incident which saw delays of 45 minutes on the railway between Leeds and Kirkstall Forge.
According to the police, they were called to the scene at 5.26pm earlier today (May 22). They had received reports of a train being hit by air pellets, causing a window to crack which was caught on camera by a startled passenger on a train in Leeds.
Passenger John Gallagher wrote on Twitter: "Train home stopped between Leeds and Kirkstall Forge because 'somebody is shooting at trains'. After a few minutes waiting we started moving again.
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"We picked up speed and shortly after that heard a loud crack. This was the window further down my carriage."
@Lexford said: "Sat on a stopped train for 20 between Kirkstall Forge and Leeds stations because there is a man with an air rifle shooting at trains and passengers - according to our conductor. Police have asked that no trains pull in to Leeds."
@JamesWebsterITV wrote at the time of the stoppages: "On a train being told all services in and out of Leeds station are being stopped because of reports of people either throwing bricks or firing air guns at trains. Police have been called. No trains moving.
"Latest from our driver is that @BTP can’t find the person who was shooting an air rifle at trains through Kirkstall. They’ve had dogs out searching and they are nowhere to be found. Could be another 15 minutes before signallers get the all clear to restart delayed trains."
@Brian70362077 wrote about his experience of the incident on Twitter, he said: "It's the fault of the idiot with a gun who has been shooting at trains, luckily no passenger was hit inside despite windows being shot out. I know it's frustrating, until the police deal with the shooter.
"They [police] were called immediately. The shooter was in the Kirkstall country park area, wearing a balaclava and black hoodie.
"I had trains stood a distance away from him but he then decided to run toward the trains which were stood so I quickly radioed them and shifted them to safety.
"We had to stand all trains in stations, Ilkley, Bradford, Leeds, Burley in wharfedale, Shipley, Skipton, Guisely, Saltaire. The effect on train running was immense. I also had [four] trains away from the shooter waiting for the cops.
"Obviously the police have to get armed response and helicopter to site. In the meantime it was decided to hold trains in stations so passengers could smoke or get a taxi/bus etc. With 25 thousand volts on the electric lines, I didn't want folk panicking and forcing the doors."
A British Transport Police spokesman said: "British Transport Police were called to the line near Kirkstall Forge station at 5.26pm on 22 May following reports that a train had been hit by air gun pellets, causing a window to crack.
“Officers attended and conducted a thorough search of the area, however no one was located. No passengers or rail staff were injured and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”
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