MORE than 50 rail passengers cheated death when their train smashed into a pile of concrete left by vandals.

And today a British Transport Police spokesman said their could have been carnage if the driver had not seen the obstruction in time.

The incident occurred at 7pm last night, around 200 yards on the Blackburn side of Accrington station.

Structures had been built on the track in both directions with slabs used to cover cable troughs.

PC Andy Tomkins said: "The train was travelling between Blackpool North and Scarborough when it struck the six concrete troughing lids.

"They had been constructed in a tepee configuration."

"The front of the train was damaged, but fortunately the driver had applied the brakes and begun to slow down. He saw someone leaving the scene and gave chase."

The damaged locomotive later made its way to Blackburn where passengers were transferred to another train.

Police are looking for a white male, aged 18 to 19, between 5ft 8in and 5ft 9in, with short blonde hair, and wearing a blue checked jacket.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01772 253682.

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