Driver lost memory after attack

Joseph Paxton said he wants to go back to work

A train driver who was seriously hurt when masonry smashed through his windscreen has spoken about the incident for the first time.

Joseph Paxton, 56, from Birmingham, was in hospital for five days after he was hit by a 45lbs (22kg) lump of concrete driving through Kidderminster, Worcs.

He told BBC News he lost six hours of his memory and suffered 27 fractures and two broken bones in December.

Three men have since been arrested and released on bail over the attack.

The suspects, aged 16, 18 and 21, were held on suspicion of intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The masonry smashed through Mr Paxton's windscreen

British Transport Police has described the incident as "reckless and dangerous" and are still appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

Officers have established the masonry was dropped from a footbridge which can be accessed from Station Close and Chester Road South near Kidderminster Harriers' football ground.

Mr Paxton was driving a freight train between Lantern and Brierley Hill in the Black Country when he was hit.

He was knocked unconscious and it is believed an automatic braking system eventually brought his train to a halt.

He suffered serious head and facial injuries but said he wants to get back to driving trains.

"I have got 27 fractures and two broken bones - my cheekbone and part of my jawbone," he said.

"But, the brain is another thing. It will not allow you to heal if it does not want to."