A TOILET window of a moving carriage was smashed after youths bombarded a train with stones for the second time in three days.

Police issued a stark warning that someone could be killed if thoughtless vandals do not cease their reign of terror.

Youths are thought to have been behind the attack on the First North Western service as it travelled towards Sough Tunnel, Darwen. It comes days after a similar incident just outside Burnley when a 30-minute delay was caused because of a vandal attack.

All passengers escaped serious injury during Wednesday's attack on the 2.39pm from Clitheroe to Manchester Victoria. But police have warned of the possible fatal consequences of committing crime on the railways.

They said incidents were bound to rise over the next few weeks as more youngsters were out of school on their holidays.

Sgt Paul Moores, of British Transport Police, said: "We believe youths targeted the train as it was approaching the tunnel as it is an out of the way spot.

"Luckily there was no one in the toilet. It is a thoughtless act of vandalism. Officers went to the scene but no one was tracked down. I cannot stress enough how dangerous this is and someone could easily have been badly injured or killed."

Coun Dave Smith, of Sunnyhurst Ward, said: "We had several complaints about vandals targeting trains two years ago but building a fence to secure the area around the station helped.

"This new spate of crimes is ridiculously dangerous and young people have no reason to be playing on dangerous rail tracks. There are so many other activities laid on to keep them entertained."

Anyone with more information about the attack should contact the police on 01772 253682.