Exclusive by Alan Quick

BRITISH Transport Police (BTP) officers are appealing for information following a further recent incident where objects have been deliberately placed on the railway tracks near Crediton.

The recent incident took place on the line between Yeoford and Crediton overnight of Thursday, November 10 and Friday, November 11.

A road sign was placed on the tracks and BTP officers have confirmed that the sign was struck by a train.

The incident follows similar incidents which took place at Yeoford and near Newton St Cyres in May last year.

Speaking in June last year, Sergeant David Mannion said: “Some time in the early hours of Tuesday, May 5, four concrete troughing lids were deliberately placed on the line close to Newton St Cyres station.”

The first train through the station at 5.50am hit the lids. While no injury or damage was caused, there were delays to services while the incident was investigated.

On Saturday, May 16, two metal road signs and four road cones were placed on the line around four miles from the previous incident, at Yeoford.

Four more road signs were placed on the tracks at Newton St Cyres station some time between 12.30am and 5.50am on Friday, May 22.

Sgt Mannion said: “Again, we believe these were deliberate acts, and again the objects were hit by trains.

“Fortunately nobody was hurt in any of the incidents, but clearly the actions of those who are doing this are reckless.

“They have endangered the safety of everyone on board the trains which struck the objects, and are risking their own safety by trespassing.

“We are working hard with the local community to find those responsible. I would urge anyone with information to get in contact.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040, or text 61016.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.