Three youths quizzed over dropping masonry on train

Three youths have been questioned by transport police after a train driver was seriously injured when masonry smashed through his windscreen.

The three male suspects aged 16, 18 and 21, were held on suspicion of intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Driver Joseph Paxton, 56, was seriously injured when he was hit by a 45lbs (22kg) lump of bricks and mortar in Kidderminster, Worcs, on 17 December. The three youths have been bailed pending further inquires.

British Transport Police (BTP) has established the masonry was dropped from a footbridge which can be accessed from Station Close and Chester Road South near Kidderminster Harriers football ground.

Officers want to speak to a man in his 50s with greying hair who was seen walking a Yorkshire terrier dog near the area at about 2145 GMT on the day of the attack. He was wearing a blue knitted jumper with grey bowling trousers and brown pumps. A £5,000 reward has been offered by Mr Paxton's firm EWS to try to find the culprits.

Ch Insp Allan Gregory from the BTP, said: "This was a life threatening incident that left Mr Paxton with serious facial and chest injuries."

Mr Paxton has been released from hospital but will have to return for further treatment.

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