Appeal after rock thrown at tram

Smashed windscreen of the Metrolink tram

Detectives are appealing for information after a tram driver was knocked unconscious.

At about 9.30pm on Monday 8 May 2017 a tram was travelling between Derker and Shaw and Crompton when the driver’s cab was struck with a large rock.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/109934/metrolink-tram-driver-hurt-in-malicious-attack

He fell unconscious after the rock smashed through the windscreen and hit his chest, while broken glass cut his face.

He was taken to hospital and has since been discharged.

Although passengers were on the tram at the time of the incident, no one else was injured.

Officers investigating believe the stone was dropped from a footbridge that leads from Meek Street in Royton.

Detective Sergeant Allison Dyson, from Oldham CID, said: “I would appeal to anyone walking on that bridge that may have seen anyone acting suspicious to please call police.

“This was a mindless act that could have had devastating consequences and I’m just grateful that the driver didn’t suffer life-threatening injuries and no passengers were injured.

“If you did this, and perhaps you didn’t realise what happened as a result of throwing that stone, please do the right thing and come forward to police.

“In the meantime we will continue to review CCTV and carry out enquiries, while any information from the public could be vital to this investigation.”

Information can be passed on by calling police on 101 quoting incident number 2476 of 8 May 2017 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.