Bricks have been dangled from this bridge in the East Midlands

Vandalism on the London to Nottingham line through the East Midlands has risen during the school holidays.

Now police are targeting hot spots where bricks have been thrown at trains and debris left on the track.

One passenger on a Midland Mainline train told how a brick smashed a window next to him. Luckily a second protective pane was not broken.

"Suddenly there was an impact on the window and an almighty crash. I turned round next to me and the window had smashed," passenger Jonathan Sheppard said.

It is very much heightened at the moment... with the kids being on holiday Jamie Burles Midland Mainline

"Luckily there was an interior pane that was still intact, obviously it was quite scary."

The latest craze has seen children dangling a brick by a rope from a bridge.

Pc Pete Clark, from British Transport Police, said: "Dangling something off a bridge is very dangerous for a driver - if it goes through the windscreen you are looking at fatal injuries."

Train operator Midland Mainline has appealed to parents to help them cut vandalism.

"It is very much heightened at the moment. It is with the kids being on holiday," said spokesman Jamie Burles.

"That is why we do encourage parents to make sure their children are fully occupied during school holidays.".