Train passengers’ lives have been put at risk by vandals attacking trains with bricks, bottles, stones and even an old computer monitor.

Laser lights have been shone in the eyes of train drivers and tracks were obstructed with shopping trolleys, a bench and bicycles.

The dangerous attacks were committed last year at stations across Sussex.

Now a campaign has been launched in a bid to cut rail crime across the county.

The campaign, No Messin', fronted by boxer Amir Khan, has been launched to coincide with the start of the Easter school holidays.

It aims to get the message across that causing trouble on the railway can cost lives.

New figures just released show there were more than 350 recorded crimes in 2008 in Sussex involving young people who put their own lives, and that of others, at risk by trespassing and vandalising.

The most shocking examples include vandals who dropped a computer monitor from a bridge in Brighton to hit a train passing below.

In other areas bottles, bricks and stones have been thrown at trains.

Vandals have also tried to obstruct the railway lines by dumping objects on the track.

Shopping trolleys and a park bench were used in Angmering, near Littlehampton.

Traffic cones were dumped in Worthing, Horsham and East Grinstead.

A disabled ramp was left at Ford, and bicycles at Seaford, Three Bridges and near Horsham.

At Billingshurst and at Willingdon laser lights were shone in the eyes of train drivers.

Other crimes committed include spraying graffiti on railway bridges, fencing and buildings.

Trespassers who take short cuts across the railways are also recorded as committing crimes.

Young people are estimated to be responsible for nearly 40% of the crimes that take place on the railways and there are concerns they are more likely to take risks and commit dangerous actions, including playing "chicken" on the tracks.

The campaign, now in its fourth year, is given credit for some success in cutting rail crime in recent years.

Nationally, overall reported trespass and vandalism crimes are down by 13% on 2007 figures.

Fiona Taylor, Network Rail’s Sussex route director, said: “We’re seeing some real success in bringing down the levels of railway crime in hotspot areas, but there is much more work to be done to save lives and prevent needless injury.

"We are working hard to tackle the most dangerous crimes where young people think it is fun to play ‘chicken’ with a 200 tonne train going at 100mph or place objects on the line, which could have catastrophic consequences."

In the last week three near-miss accidents have been reported at Tide Mills level crossing, near Newhaven.

Trains were forced to carry out emergency stops when members of the public attempted to cross the railway without first checking it was safe to do so.

In one incident the train stopped just six feet away from the member of the public.

Network Rail has installed CCTV and new signs at the Tide Mills crossing.

Jim Skinner, from the Friends of Tide Mills, said: "Level crossings are safe if used properly, and everyone who uses the crossing to access Tide Mills has a responsibility to follow the rules and use it safely. Trains are scheduled to pass the crossing four times an hour, so it is important that pedestrians make absolutely sure that there are no trains approaching in either direction before attempting to cross.

"We don't want to see any accidents down at this special and much loved open space."