Six railway detonators have been stolen from a line in Sunderland – this follows a teenager who lost the sight in his right eye after stealing detonators from a depot in Essex.
Police believe the detonators were stolen from the line near Villette Road between around 22.55 on Saturday, September 15, and 01.00 on Sunday, September 16.
The detonators are designed to be triggered by trains as they pass over the line, emitting a loud bang. They alert train drivers to a danger ahead – such as an obstruction or engineering work – telling them to immediately apply the emergency brake.
The detonators are described as small discs, approximately 5cm in diameter with two lead strips either side.
PC Mick Proudfoot, of British Transport Police, said: “The detonators contain mild explosives and emit a loud bang when drivers pass over them, to warn track workers that a train will be coming their way soon.
“They could be very dangerous in untrained hands, particularly young children or teenagers who may see them as a source of fun or entertainment. Only a few weeks ago a teenager from Essex sadly lost their sight after a detonator accident so I can’t emphasise the dangers enough.
“We are obviously concerned for the safety of the individuals who have the detonators, regardless of their age, and I would urge anyone who has information that could help us with our enquiries to contact us as soon as possible.”
