HOOLIGANS forced the evacuation of a train and caused hours of delays in Glasgow’s East End after damage was caused to overhead power lines.

Transport cops are now hunting those responsible for the incident which caused significant damage to a ScotRail train at Netherhouse Road on Saturday at around 5.50pm.

The force said the overhead power lines between Easterhouse and Coatbridge had become damaged after someone is believed to have thrown objects from a bridge.

A ScotRail service then caught the lines as it was passing, causing significant damage to the train and to the infrastructure.

Extensive repairs were then needed to be made so that the line could be reopened, and the incident caused delays.

The train was also forced out of service and the passengers were evacuated onto another train.

Officers are now appealing for information and ask the public to get in touch if they have any information.

Detective Constable Victoria Graham, from British Transport Police, said: “This train was travelling at high speed and it is incredible that no one was killed or seriously injured.

“A disaster was narrowly avoided and we are now actively tracing those responsible.”

She added: “As you can see from the images, the train was extensively damaged by someone’s dangerous and reckless actions. Quite frankly, whoever did this should be ashamed of themselves. They put the public in danger as well as caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

“This would have come as quite a shock to those passengers who were on board the section, some of which were young children. It is absolutely imperative that we trace those responsible and I would be keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time. If you saw anyone acting suspiciously then please contact us.”

Information can be passed to BTP by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 460 of 23/09/2017. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.