A TRAIN was delayed by thugs who threw stones and smashed the window of a carriage.

British Transport Police officers were called to Witham railway station shortly after 7pm on Sunday.

There had been reports of a stone having smashed the window of a train carriage passing over Armond Road.

A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: "Fortunately, no one appears to have been injured as a result of this incident.

"We are investigating the incident and believe the stone may have been deliberately thrown at the train."

Greater Anglia staff confirmed one of the trains was damaged following an "act of vandalism".

A spokesman said: "No trains were cancelled, but one service was delayed by 30 minutes.

"We will continue to help police with their enquiries."

Essex Police were also called to reports of criminal damage in Armond Road.

Two windows were smashed and one another window was damaged after stones were thrown at residents' houses.

Witham Councillor JoAnn Williams said: "That is just horrific, there are no cameras there from the town and I doubt National Rail has any either.

"I don’t know whether better lighting, some sort of fencing or other barriers or cameras would help.

"This anti-social behaviour is so sad for our wonderful town and we need to come up with a variety of ideas to put a stop to it as much as possible.

"Perhaps some Neighbourhood Watch involvement in that area would also go some way to curtailing the activity."

It was suggested the matter be raised with other councillors, who could make inquiries about securing the train line.

Anyone with information should call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number 352 15/01, or call Essex Police on 101.