A TRAIN driver is in a critical condition after bricks smashed through his windscreen, leaving him with serious head and face injuries.

Police have not ruled out the possibility that yobs may have hurled the masonry off a bridge.

British Transport Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward who might have seen anything suspicious on Sunday when the incident happened at about 10.45pm in Kidderminster.

The 56-year-old driver is being treated at Worcestershire Royal Hospital where his condition is described as critical but stable. A spokesman for British Transport Police said: "Of course we are not ruling out the possibility that somebody could have thrown an object at the train.

"That is one of our lines of enquiry and that is why we are asking the public for support and asking witnesses to come forward.

"It may have been an accident or it may be somebody throwing things at trains."

The freight train was travelling between Llanwern and Brierley Hill when the debris smashed through the driver's windscreen.

Chief inspector Allan Gregory, from British Transport Police, said: "The train travelled underneath three bridges - Chester Road North, Offmore Lane and Comberton Hill (A448), before it came to a standstill.

"We are appealing to the public to come forward if they saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area.

"This is a serious incident that has left a train driver badly injured. At this stage we are not ruling out anything."

British Transport Police request anyone who may have information to contact them free and in confidence on 0800 405040.