A railway track explosion which caused havoc on the train network in west London yesterday was started deliberately and could have killed people, police said today.
South West Trains services between Brentford and Hounslow were cancelled and delayed for much of yesterday after the incident near Syon Lane station.
And today, British Transport Police revealed an unknown substance had been put on the tracks at around 9.05am yesterday morning.
It ignited, causing a “small explosion” which could have killed people if a train had gone by, police said.
Although the flames were quickly put out, the resulting damage to the tracks required significant emergency engineering work.
Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Langley said: “The consequences of the explosion could have easily been life-threatening if a train had travelled over this bit of the track at the time.”
He said: “I am extremely keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour.
“We believe this substance was placed on the tracks deliberately to cause a fire and so work is being carried out to establish exactly what this substance was.”
Anyone with any information should contact 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting reference 144 of 14/07/16.
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