A COMMUTER train was stopped near Droitwich after a man was spotted pointing a gun at it from a bridge.

The 2.10pm Virgin Trains service from Glasgow to Plymouth was halted at Dunhampstead at about 6.40pm yesterday when the train driver saw a man who appeared to be pointing an air rifle at the train.

British Transport Police and Network Rail carried out a search of the area but no gunman was found.

Allan McClean, spokesman for Virgin Trains, said the driver reported that a person on a bridge looked as if he had a gun and was pointing it at the train as it approached.

He said: "Shortly after leaving Birmingham the driver reported seeing a man on a railway bridge who appeared to be pointing a gun at the train. He stopped the train and reported the incident immediately and the line was then closed while a search as carried out.

"However, no-one was found at the scene and no more reports were made."

The train was delayed by 17 minutes because of the incident and no other services were affected.

Sunita Kachala, spokesman for the British Transport Police, said: "The area was checked where no persons or firearms were found and there was no visible damage caused to the train.

"British Transport Police are investigating the incident and would urge any witness's to come forward with information by contacting BTP on freefone 0800 405040, or Crimestoppers anonymously."