Pictures show East Lancashire Railway trains vandalised over weekend

A locomotive and several coaches from the InterCity 125 heritage set were covered in graffiti during an overnight attack during the May Bank Holiday.

The damage included a coach that had only been repainted in February.

Mike Kelly, chairman of the East Lancashire Railway, said: “This is a disgraceful and deeply frustrating attack on a railway run largely by volunteers, with many steam and diesel traction owned either by the ELR or groups and in some cases, private individuals who give their time freely to preserve our railway.

East Lancashire Railway are asking anyone with information to come forward (Image: East Lancashire Railway)

“It is nothing short of a kick in the teeth for those who work so hard to maintain and preserve historic traction and rolling stock.”

The damage was described as a ‘calculated act of destruction’ rather than opportunistic vandalism.

Volunteers acted quickly to remove the graffiti using specialist cleaning materials, preventing it from becoming permanent, though further restoration is still required.

Volunteers removed the graffiti (Image: East Lancashire Railway)

Greater Manchester Police attended the scene and collected evidence.

Patrols in the area will be stepped up, and additional CCTV coverage is being installed immediately as part of strengthened security measures.

Mr Kelly said: “What makes this even more infuriating is that this follows a similar incident less than 12 months ago, when nearly 30 glass panes across two coaches were smashed, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

“We are working closely with the police and are determined to see those responsible identified and held accountable.”

He also praised the volunteers who responded to the attack.

The damage included a coach that had only been repainted in February (Image: East Lancashire Railway)

Mr Kelly said: “I want to place on record my sincere thanks to our outstanding volunteers, whose immediate and determined response ensured the damage was contained.

“Their commitment stands in stark contrast to the senseless actions of those responsible.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.