Young tram-attack suspects identified

YOBS suspected of hurling missiles at trams in Oldham have been identified after an 11-year-old boy was caught piling up rocks near the track.

The Greater Manchester Travel Safe Unit has identified several children suspected of the vandal attacks and damage to Metrolink trams.

In recent times five trams had had to be withdrawn from service for broken windows. Passengers were frightened and drivers reportedly too scared to work in the Failsworth and Hollinwood areas.

One 11-year-old boy was found piling up rocks near the tracks in Oldham. Further investigations led officers from the unit to identify five other children. Police are visiting their homes to speak with parents.

Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink director, Peter Cushing, said: “While these are not the only incidents of vandalism we have experienced since the start of the summer break they were certainly the most concentrated.

“My shock at learning of the age of the children involved pales into insignificance compared to the shock and disappointment of their parents, who had no idea they were responsible for such appalling behaviour.”