THE lives of rail passengers were put at risk when concrete lids and cement bags were placed on a railway line south of Hereford.

British Transport Police (BTP) have stepped up patrols in the county after the driver of a Manchester to Milford Haven train spotted the obstruction near Grafton.

He was able to bring his train to a halt and remove the objects before the next train was due to pass but PC Alan Fishpool, from the BTP, said rail staff and passengers had a lucky escape.

“If the driver travelling in the opposite direction had not spotted and removed these items, a train coming the other way would not have had time to stop and would have struck the objects which were placed on the line.

“This could have derailed the train, which could have resulted in serious injury – or worse.”

Anyone with information about the incident, that happened on April 15, can call 0800 405040.