PASSENGERS on a commuter train could’ve been killed, it has been claimed, after a “moron” suspended a boulder from a Hampshire railway bridge.

The train travelling from London Waterloo to Weymouth narrowly avoided the rock after it was spotted hanging from the Hinton Admiral station crossing.

Now police are hunting for the group, described as youths, who also allegedly hurled stones at the carriages.

“Idiots engaging in acts such as this have no idea of the consequences of their behaviour,” said train drivers’ union ASLEF rep Graham Morris.

Daily Echo:

“It risks serious injury, and potential loss of life, to train drivers and passengers.”

South Western Railway says the incident, on Thursday afternoon, caused “some” delays to services.

No one on the train was hurt, it was also confirmed.

Mr Morris added: “People have a right to travel by train without living in fear that someone is going to try to cause them injury.

“And train drivers have a right to do their job – which is difficult enough as it is – without worrying that some moron is going to suspend a boulder from a bridge or throw rocks at the train.”

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This is a view shared by New Forest councillor Mark Steele, who labelled the incident “life-threatening”.

“My main concern is that everyone should be able to travel safely,” said the Bransgore and Burley member.

“These actions are totally irresponsible and it could have impacted the driver and the passengers safety.

“The poor driver had enough to do and think about; they were just trying to transport people safely and didn’t need people messing around.

“There is no reasoning behind this and I hope the police manage to catch them.”

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The investigation is being lead by the British Transport Police (BTP), who is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Network Rail has also confirmed that the boulder, which was cut down by the train driver, will now be passed on to the BTP.

A BTP spokesperson said:” ‘Officers were called to Hinton Admiral Station at 5.37pm on February 28 following reports of youths throwing rocks from a bridge.

“BTP quickly attended but the youths had left the scene.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

If you have information on the incident, contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016.

A spokesperson for South Western Railway added: “We’re very sorry to customers for yesterday’s delays caused by this reckless and dangerous incident.”