High-speed train escapes vandal attack

Vandals tried to derail a French high-speed train with concrete blocks on the track, it emerged today.

The train slammed into them at 90 mph but escaped with minor damage. No-one was injured in the incident.

Rail operator SNCF said the train from Brussels was able to continue to its destination in Perpignan after an hour’s delay.

Transportation Minister Dominique Bussereau said the vandalism outside the town of Narbonne appeared to be “a new act of malice” against France’s rail network.

SNCF said more than 20,000 passengers suffered delays on Saturday after vandals sabotaged electrical lines on high-speed routes, disrupting some 160 trains.