Train station cars wrecked

Vandals went on a wrecking spree at a Shropshire railway station today, breaking into about 10 cars and driving one into a platform wall.

A police investigation has now been launched after residents reported hearing engines revving and wheels spinning at Gobowen Railway Station in the early hours. Police are looking at CCTV footage in a bid to trace the vandals.

They said the vehicles were broken into while they were parked overnight.

At least one vehicle was driven around the car park and the engines of several others may have been started.

It is thought the break-ins happened between about 2.30am and 3.15am today. Some of the owners of the cars have not yet been traced and may have left their cars at the station while travelling, police said.

Officers believe several people were responsible for the damage, which was reported by a resident living near to the station, in the centre of the village.

Richard Ewels, a spokesman for West Mercia police, said: "The resident was awoken by the sounds of an engine being repeatedly revved and wheel-spinning.

"Considerable damage has been caused to about 10 cars left in the car park.

"We are still trying to trace some of the owners and it is not yet known if anything has been stolen.

"At least one vehicle was driven around the car park and was driven into the platform wall.

"Doors were forced and several windows smashed and it would appear that the engines were started on several cars.

"We are anxious to hear from anyone with information about the incident.

"Witnesses or anyone who thinks they know the identity of the offenders should contact Oswestry police station on 0300 3333000.

"Information can also be given to the Crimestoppers number 0800 555111."

A spokesman for Arriva Trains Wales said that because the car park was not owned by the railway its transport police were not involved although staff would co-operate with the investigation in any way they could.

The cameras at the railway station were installed as an addition to Oswestry's town centre CCTV camera system.

Footage from them will be studied by police.

By Sue Austin