Yobs smash up Telford Steam Railway - with video

Bricks and tools stored at the heritage railway line were hurled at the windows of the five damaged coaches and two locomotive engines by intruders at the attraction in Horsehay.

It is believed a group of youths was responsible for causing the vandalism to the trains, some of which are privately owned by volunteers.

A clean up operation is now under way at the Bridge Road site, which is run by a trust.

Telford Steam Railway spokesman Phil Neal said: "Unfortunately we think it is children on their school holiday who are the culprits. I first heard about it after a passer-by spotted people playing at the site and the information was posted on social media. It will cost us about £5,000 to put right the damage.

"A total of 18 windows including those dating back to the 1950s were smashed up. This coach is a prototype, only four were made and this is the only one in a preservation setting. We were halfway through renovating it at a cost of several thousands of pounds. Now we're going to have to find the money to fix it.The windows of two locos that are privately owned by volunteers have also been damaged and seven fire extinguishers were also let off by the vandals.

"To say that we are very disappointed is an under statement. At the moment it looks like it's children on their school break with nothing better to do are responsible. If anyone can donate some money to help us carry out the repairs that would be of help.

"We would appeal to parents in the area to remind their children that they should keep off the railway site due to the risk of train movements up and down the track at any given time. Even when we're not running services, we are maintaining the trains and we do move them. I recently came across four different sets of dog walkers on our live tracks in the space of 30 minutes."

The attack, on Wednesday evening, has been reported to police and forensic officers have been at the scene.

Among the damaged locomotives was a green 1952 engine where bricks and a large track screw were used to break the windows which will cost in the region of £300 each to replace. Engine oil stored on bard was also poured over the steps. The railway's midweek manager Jacky Mccusker said: "It's soul destroying. This is the worst incident here that I have seen in the last couple of years. It's absolutely mindless yobs who have done this."

The railway will be open as usual over Easter.