A train 'could have been derailed' after an office chair was placed on the tracks.
The train, travelling from Belfast to Bangor on Tuesday evening, stopped abruptly as a metal office chair was spotted on the tracks.
It was able to stop short of the office chair perched on the tracks ahead and no damage was caused to the train or passengers.
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It's understood the chair was dropped from the Dee Street bridge in East Belfast.
A witness at the scene, who wished to remain anonymous, said it was evident the chair had been deliberately placed on top of the rail. They said the position it was in meant it could have had the potential to derail the train and risk those who placed it there.
"Parents need to know what their kids are up to. The children who placed it were on the bridge watching for the train to strike it," they added.
"I would just like them to realise the possible consequences of derailing a train at 50mph, this could lead to fatalities. There is also the possibility of trauma should some of the children be struck and killed by a train.
"I was absolutely stunned to see the kids were standing watching from the bridge above waiting for the the train to hit the metal chair. Know where your kids are and what they're doing is an old adage but still rings true.
"It's heart-breaking to know lives could be lost in a situation like this. The railway lines seem to be a magnet for kids during the summer."
A spokesperson for Translink said: “A train driver reported a chair on the train line near Dee Street Bridge yesterday evening.
“The chair was removed – there were no delays to services. The PSNI was alerted.
“Messing around at train stations or on railway lines is extremely dangerous and can have life changing consequences. Trains travelling at 70mph need the length of four football pitches in order to stop.
“Our trains are fitted with CCTV both inside and out and there are cameras located in several areas around the network, which clearly capture footage of trespassers. We actively pursue prosecutions against those who trespass on the railway and we work with the PSNI Safe Transport Team to encourage safe behaviour on and around public transport.
“We are involved in a number of safety initiatives with local community and youth groups, sports organisations and local representatives to educate on, and encourage, safe behaviour on railways and at our stations”.
Police said they received reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage which occurred at the Dee Street area of East Belfast Tuesday, July 26.
It was reported to them youths were throwing debris from the bridge in the area yesterday evening, with two cars damaged as a result of these actions.
Inspector Dawson said: “Fortunately, there were no reports of any injuries but the consequences of these actions could have serious consequences. This sort of reckless action can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicle, putting the lives of other road users at serious risk.
“We would appeal to anyone with any information to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1560 26/07/22. A report can also be made online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
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