PARENTS are being urged to check in on their children after a surge of attacks on public transport in the north west.

Last month a log was thrown into the path of an oncoming train in Bolton causing a small fire in which 100 passengers were evacuated.

Elsewhere in the region buses, trams and trains have been targeted.

Train driver Ian Birch sustained facial injuries after a brick was thrown at his window in Clifton in February.

Across Greater Manchester there have been 145 incidents where items were thrown at Metrolink services and there have been 300 incidents of missiles being thrown at public transport.

TfGM’s TravelSafe partnership manager, Kate Green, said consequences can be “very serious” for offenders.

She said: “These types of incidents are absolutely unacceptable, and we will make every effort to track down and prosecute anyone foolish enough throw objects at public transport.

"The consequences of this type of unthinking behaviour can be extremely serious for transport staff and passengers.

“Parents and young people should also be aware that the consequences for offenders can also be very serious, and a moment of madness or showing off could result in them being banned from the network or potentially prosecuted.

“But offenders can also put themselves in danger, as we saw recently when a child was knocked unconscious while bus surfing.

"The outcome could have been a lot worse, so we really have to ask – is it worth it the risk?”

Recent incidents are being investigated by the Travelsafe Partnership which is made up of transport operators, Greater Manchester Police, the British Transport Police and Greater Manchester Police.

Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, Bev Hughes, said: “This reckless behaviour is endangering the safety of passengers, drivers, and the offenders themselves, and it could also deter people from using our trains, trams and buses.

“Everyone using public transport is entitled to a safe and enjoyable journey - incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour on the network will not be tolerated.

“Through the proactive work of Greater Manchester Police’s Transport Unit and TravelSafe officers, we are cracking down on this aggressive, dangerous, and often illegal behaviour. This drive against antisocial behaviour has led to a 25 per cent increase in arrests since August.”