Vandals who put hazards on rail tracks in Llangennech hunted
Vandals who placed a ramp and a railway sleeper across train tracks are being hunted by police who said there had been the potential for "catastrophe".
British Transport Police said the objects were placed across the tracks in Llangennech, Carmarthenshire, in both directions.
The incident happened at about 21:00 BST on Friday.
However, the objects were spotted and removed before any trains went through the area, police said.
Spotted and removed
Insp Mark Jones, of British Transport Police, said: "There is no doubt that these items were placed on the railway deliberately, with the running lines obstructed in both directions.
"Thankfully, no one was injured, but the consequences of these actions could have been far more serious.
"It is only by pure luck that no trains went through the area and the obstruction was spotted and removed in time.
"As well as numerous passenger services, freight trains also use this line and operate throughout the night, so the potential for catastrophe was clear."
BTP said patrols in the area had been increased and a programme of rail safety and the dangers of trespass was under way at local youth clubs.
"This was a reckless and extremely stupid act of mindless vandalism that could so easily have resulted in tragedy," said Insp Jones.
"I cannot emphasise enough the dangers associated with this type of crime.
"Officers are currently conducting local inquiries into the incident and I would ask anyone with any information that could help our investigation to come forward as a matter of urgency."
Anyone with information about this incident has been asked to contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B8/WSA of 28/10/2013 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.