Pictures have been released of the horrific injuries to a train driver who was hit by a missile.

The EWS freight train was travelling through the Kidderminster area on Sunday, December 17 at 10.45pm, when it was hit by a large piece of masonry weighing 22 kilos (45 pounds).

The 56-year-old driver Joseph Paxton, of Birmingham pressed the emergency horn to raise the alarm and a member of public called police for assistance.

The driver suffered serious head and face injuries and remains in Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Police have not ruled out the possibility that yobs threw the masonry off a bridge and EWS are now offering a £5,000 reward for information leading to the successful arrest and conviction of any offenders.

Officers from British Transport Police believe the incident took place near to the footbridge in Offmore Road and it was a large section of brick wall, consisting of about five bricks, that hit the passing train Chief Inspector Allan Gregory (corr) said: "This was a serious incident and is being treated suspiciously.

"We would urge you to ring British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with information that could help our inquiries."

CCTV footage shows the train window was intact as the train went through Kidderminster station.

Pat Daly, director of risk management at EWS, said: "We are deeply shocked by this incident and the extent of his injuries.

"Nobody should spend Christmas suffering with injuries like this."