Northern trains have hit 97 objects on the tracks in the past year, including bicycles and a garden gate.

According to the train operator, only 10 incidents caused damage but each object poses a safety risk.

Damaged carriages have to be taken out of service for repairs.

Other items found on the tracks included a wheelie bin, fence panels, shopping trolleys, and traffic cones.

Matt Rice, chief operating officer at Northern, said: "Our trains travel at high speed, and any item on the track represents a risk to the train and the safety of everyone on board.

"Whilst some items might end up on the tracks due to high winds or accidents – some are deliberately placed there by people with no regard for the safety of others.

"Those people should know that the majority of our trains are now fitted with external CCTV cameras and that footage can be viewed by British Transport Police in real-time.

“We would appeal to anyone committing this senseless activity to stop – and remind them that it is a criminal offence to trespass on the railway.”

Witnesses should contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

Passengers can also download the British Transport Police 'Railway Guardian' app.