LATE-night drama dogged rail passengers travelling towards Petersfield on Friday night. Just before midnight, the 23.15 service from London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour was damaged (above) as it hit a metal object on the line near Farncombe. A British Transport Police spokesman said he believed youths had thrown "rope and metal" from a footbridge near the Surrey station. The incident damaged the train and delayed the South West Trains service, which was carrying 100 passengers. Dc Tony Bronger, of the British Transport Police, added: "The material was dragged under the train, which caused extensive damage to both the train and the track. An off-duty police officer and member of South West Trains staff assisted passengers during the delay." The train has now been taken out of service to be repaired. Dc Bronger added: "Railway obstructions are a serious matter and could have resulted in this train derailing." Witness should call British Transport Police on 0800 405040.