A REWARD of £10,000 is being offered after a concrete slab was thrown at a freight train near Northwich.

The incident happened on Sunday, June 7, when the DB Schenker train was travelling between Weaverham and Hartford.

The driver suffered cuts to his face and hands.

Officers from British Transport Police have so far been unable to catch those responsible but train company DB Schenker is now offering the five-figure reward in a bid to bring witnesses forward.

Detective Chief Insp Malcolm McKinnon also made an appeal to the public to contact them with any information relevant to the investigation.

He said: “We’ve had officers working around the clock investigating this case but it has proved problematic as the location of the offence, a public footpath running through farmland, is extremely rural.

“However, I’m convinced the offender will be known to someone – they may have boasted about their actions.

“I’m appealing to the conscience of anyone with information. When the slab struck the train, it shattered the driver’s window which collapsed into the cab and pinned the driver to the seat.

“He was also showered with broken glass which caused cuts to his face and hands.

“Clearly this was extremely serious. It’s only good fortune that we’re not now dealing with an incident which had fatal consequences.

“If you know who is responsible, or have information you think might assist the investigation, speak to us. The driver in this case is making a good recovery but the next may not be as fortunate.”

The incident is one of half-a-dozen attacks launched at passing trains from the Hodge Lane footbridge, Hartford.

In March, an express travelling to Liverpool Lime Street had its power cut after a piece of concrete was dropped on to it from above.

On May 30, the London Euston to Preston service was peppered with stones at 9.45pm, and the Edinburgh-Birmingham train was targeted at 8.30pm three days later.

If you have information, contact the BTP on 0800 405040.