By Craig Smith

A TRIO of serious incidents near a Fife railway station over the weekend could have had tragic consequences, British Transport Police has stated.

The incidents on Friday evening and on Saturday afternoon occurred on the railway near to Coaltown of Balgonie as trains approached Markinch Station, causing damage on two of the three occasions.

The first incident happened at around 6.30pm on Friday when a brick attached to a rope was suspended from a railway bridge near to Lady Nina Square and struck the front of the Edinburgh to Inverness service.

Just half an hour later, a large traffic cone was thrown into the path of an oncoming Edinburgh to Inverurie train. No damage was done on that occasion.

The third incident of the weekend occurred at about 3pm on Saturday when an Edinburgh to Dyce service struck an object that had been suspended from the same bridge, again causing damage to the front of the train.

Although no-one was hurt in the incidents, police have appealed to the public for help in bringing those responsible to justice.

It is understood at least two youngsters were behind the incidents on Friday, while a group of adults or teenagers may have been responsible for Saturday’s incident.

Sergeant Jim Wands, of the British Transport Police, said officers carried out door-to-door inquiries locally in an effort to obtain information.

He added, “Fortunately, no one was injured in any of these incidents, although the consequences could have been much worse.

“We are anxious to trace two youngsters who were seen near the bridge around the time of the incident on Friday night and a group in relation to the incident on Saturday, also seen on the bridge.

“The group is described as being a mix of adults or teenagers with some younger members.

“The incidents could have had devastating consequences for those involved as well as the passengers and rail staff on board the trains.”

Sergeant Wands appealed to members of the public with any information on who may have been responsible to come forward as soon as possible.

British Transport Police can be contacted on freefone 0800 405040 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.