Thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused to a popular Co Down visitor attraction during a “senseless act of vandalism”.
Downpatrick and County Down Railway said it was “heartbroken” to share that its vintage steam-hauled carriages had suffered “extensive” damage during the attack on Friday.
In a post of social media, it said the railway site had been targeted by a group of youths who “broke into our premises and headed towards the carriages used for our steam train trips” at around 3.30pm.
Sharing images of the alleged vandals, the railway organisation said the group had even “filmed themselves hurling a brick through one of the carriage windows, before forcing their way inside by smashing down a locked door”.
“This callous behaviour resulted in damage to all three of our vintage steam-hauled carriages,” the statement said.
The Downpatrick and County Down Railway, which is a private charitable heritage railway organisation, operates steam and diesel train services on three miles of track in Downpatrick.
It has appealed for the public’s assistance to “bring those responsible to justice” and has also urged people to make a donation to help them “get back on track”.
“Our volunteers, who contribute so much to the Downpatrick community and have worked so hard to repair last year’s flood damage, are absolutely devastated that their hard work has again been set back by pointless destruction,” the statement added.
“These carriages hold a special place in the hearts of many of you who ride our Lapland Express at Christmas.
“Now, repairing this extensive damage - including replacing several custom-made toughened windows - will cost us thousands of pounds.
“Please consider making a donation, no matter how small, to help us recover and get back on track.
“Your support means the world to us during these difficult times.”
