A train was shot at between Stone Crossing and Greenhithe stations yesterday evening (October 29), shocking commuters who were returning from work in London.

The train, which was headed to Gillingham, was allegedly shot at with an air rifle just after 6pm.

British Transport Police are now appealing for information about the attack - although they said the damage could have also been caused by a stone.

Witness Adam Watts, who was preparing to get off the train, said that he was "centimetres" from the fired bullet, which pierced and smashed the window.

The 32-year-old Greenhithe resident told News Shopper: "I wondered if I had that feeling like you see in films where there's a delayed reaction before you realize you've been hit - thankfully I hadn't been.

"The strike came as we passed through some marshland area before coming into Greenhithe station.

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"I was relieved that it wasn't a child sitting where I was, or worse still hitting the driver through his open window.

"It's still a worrying thing no matter how big or small.

"Air weapons are too easy to get hold of in the wrongs hands these days."

Mr Watts

Mr Watts added: "My evening almost ended in disaster. Shot at my carriage behind driver's cab and was centimetres from my head.

"Thankfully I'm unhurt but when I was right next to this, centimetres, it shakes you up.

"They missed the driver and almost got me. Hope they catch the gits.

"Shock was an understatement, [I was] just getting ready to get up and get my stuff when I saw a flash then the noise, scary!!!

"I'm still shaking but I'm a tough cookie and will survive. Just too close to comfort. I started looking to see if I'd been hit.

"I could even pick out where it roughly came from as I was looking out the window before nearly losing my face."

Trains were significantly delayed due to the incident.

Mr Watts further vented his frustration at Southeastern train services, saying: "So my second week after moving and using Southeastern I have this week had two cancelled trains and three delays, before being nearly shot tonight."

He added that a cold beer and The Apprentice was much needed after the attack.

A BTP spokesman said: "Luckily no one was injured, but this could have been very serious.

"This sort of behaviour is extremely dangerous and this offence could have easily resulted in seriously injuring a passenger, not just considerable damage to the train, which as a result had to be taken out or service to be fixed.

SE UPDATE Trains through Greenhithe are being delayed due to the drivers cab being shot at. — Southeastern (@Se_Railway) October 29, 2015

"Those responsible are not only risking serious injury to passengers and staff, they are also risking an appearance in court and a criminal conviction.

"We searched the area immediately after the incident but to no avail, and would encourage anyone with information that could assist our investigation to come forward."

A spokesman for Southeastern added: "The 5.06pm Cannon Street to Gillingham was fired upon.

"We believe it was hit by a pellet that penetrated the outer film of the window.

"One passenger was badly shaken.

"The train pulled into Greenhithe where passengers were taken and moved into another train.

"It was held for nine minutes and then continued to Gillingham, all stops."

Did you see what happened? Email josie.griffiths@london.newsquest.co.uk

More to follow.