LIVES were put at risk when vandals targeted train lines twice in 24 hours, police have warned.

Bricks and stones were thrown on tracks near Sankey train station, pictured above.

PC Peter Murphy, from British Transport Police, said: "I would urge adults, parents, and teachers to reinforce the message to youngsters that railways can be extremely dangerous places if not used correctly. We need the help of the community to come forward with any information whatsoever as to who is responsible for these incidents."

The attacks happened at 10.30pm on Monday and 3pm the following day at the same spot at the footbridge off Canons Road.

Both times cable was pulled on to the tracks causing a train to run over it, resulting in signal failure. A total of 64 trains were delayed.

PC Murphy said: "Placing obstructions on the track has the potential to derail a train and puts not only the lives of rail users at risk but also the lives of those responsible for the vandalism.

"It is believed the obstructions had been deliberately placed on the line some time earlier in the evening."

A bike was also thrown on to the lines near Liverpool Road on Monday evening.

Anyone with information should call PC Peter Murphy at British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.