The bike recovered by British Transport Police at Fletton

A BIKE thrown onto a live railway line was struck by a passing train just outside Peterborough in what British Transport Police have described as “extremely foolish behaviour”.

A British Transport Police spokesperson said fortunately for passengers the train remained upright and on the track as it ploughed through the debris and threw the bike to the side of the tracks.

The bike was believed to be thrown onto the line from the overhead bridge on High Street in Fletton at 4.15pm on Monday September 3.

Travellers waiting at Peterborough station faced delays of over one hour as transport police and maintenance staff were called to the scene to clear the line.

PC Sean White from British Transport Police said the incident could have had much more serious consequences.

He said: “This was a mindless act of vandalism which could have caused injuries or worse.

“Although this may seem like fun to those who commit such offences, what they don’t realise are the potentially serious consequences.”

Police are following several lines of enquiry including conducting house to house visits in the area to catch the vandals.

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.