Police patrols have been stepped up at Shipley station after a brick was thrown at the window of a moving train in a “potentially life-threatening” incident.

Officers described the incident as a “foolish and dangerous act” and have been speaking to residents and station staff to find those responsible.

The brick caused £150 worth of damage when it hit the outer skin of the window of a Leeds to Skipton service as it left the station and approached Salts Mill. Investigating officer PC Mark Hibbert said: “This was an extremely foolish and dangerous act, which resulted in a train being damaged.

“Fortunately no-one was injured, but a passenger or member of rail staff could have easily been hit if the brick had damaged the inner skin of the window.

“Throwing a brick at a fast-moving train is an incredibly irresponsible thing to do and we have stepped up patrols in the area to try and catch those responsible.

“We urge those who think that throwing stones and other objects at trains is fun to think about the consequences of their actions, which in this case could have been much worse.

“We are conducting local inquiries into the incident and patrols will be stepped up in the area to catch and deter these vandals.

“I‘d ask anyone that has any information that could help our investigation to come forward.”

Councillor Martin Love (Green, Shipley) said: “I would appeal for anybody with information to help the police. Something like this might seem like a harmless prank but it’s potentially life-threatening. It’s not just about the damage caused to the train.”

Anyone with any information about the incident, which occurred at 5.45pm on Tuesday, July 10, should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 quoting 541 of 10/07/2012, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.