Wheelie bins were left in the path of oncoming trains

One operator said bicycles, wheelie bins and shopping trolleys were among the hazardous materials left on railway tracks.

Northern said trains hit or crashed into about 100 objects last year.

The company said bricks, fence panels, a gate and road signs were some of the items “deliberately” placed on the track.

He called for an end to “senseless activity” that puts passengers and staff at risk.

Northern serves the north of England and parts of the Midlands, including Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, Merseyside, Teesside, Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.

The train operator said although only 10 of the recorded incidents involved damage to carriages, each posed a safety risk.

Northern’s Matt Rice said: “Our trains travel at high speeds and any item on the track poses a risk to the safety of the train and everyone on board.

“Some items may fall onto the tracks due to high winds or accidents, while others are deliberately placed there by people with disregard for the safety of others.”

He said: “We call on anyone carrying out this senseless activity to stop and remind them that trespassing on the railway is a criminal offence.”

The majority of northern trains are now fitted with external CCTV cameras and the footage can be viewed by British Transport Police.

Mr Rice urged anyone who witnessed items being placed on the tracks to report it.