A TRAIN was stopped on the tracks by a man who then pelted it with bricks and forced open a door.

The Northern Rail service from Manchester to Clitheroe was brought to a halt just outside Hall I’ th’ Wood station on Thursday.

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Passengers were left horrified as a man who had been walking on the tracks began to throw stones and bricks at the train at about 2.20pm.

One window was smashed, but the train was able to continue after the man was removed.

Police confirmed that a 22-year-old was removed from the tracks but that a decision had been taken not to prosecute him after a mental health assessment.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: “A 22-year-old man was removed from the tracks at Hall i’ th’ Wood station.

“Following a mental health assessment no further action taken in relation to the matter.”

A spokesman for Northern Rail said: “Incidents such as this cost the rail network much more than a hefty bill.

“They can cause serious shock and upset to our drivers and conductors, and as a result, our passengers can suffer long and unnecessary delays and disruption to their journey.”

“A damaged window also means a train has to be taken out of service for repair causing further delays and disruptions, something that is preventable and can be avoided.”