Northern has revealed that trains have struck 97 objects in the past 12 months.

The train operator said that some of these items were 'deliberately' placed on the tracks.

While only ten of these incidents caused damage to carriages, Northern said that each one posed a safety risk.

Damaged carriages had to be taken out of service for repairs, causing disruption.

Items that trains came into contact with included bicycles, a wheelie bin, bricks, fence panels, a garden gate, road signs, shopping trolleys, and traffic cones.

Matt Rice, chief operating officer at Northern, said: "Our trains travel at high speed and any item on the track represents a risk to the train and the safety of everyone on board.

"Whilst some items might end up on the tracks due to high winds or accidents – some are deliberately placed there by people with no regard for the safety of others.

"Those people should know that the majority of our trains are now fitted with external CCTV cameras and that footage can be viewed by British Transport Police in real-time.

"We would appeal to anyone committing this senseless activity to stop – and remind them that it is a criminal offence to trespass on the railway."

Northern urged anyone who sees items being thrown or placed on the tracks to contact British Transport Police immediately by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

Rail users are also encouraged to download the British Transport Police 'Railway Guardian' app, which allows users to report crimes or concerns on the rail network, share journeys with trusted contacts, and access news, guides, and support.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.