Heritage railway bosses hit out at ‘mindless vandalism’ after thugs break into train carriages ahead of popular Christmas service

The team posted images on social media showing damage to a door and litter strewn across one of the carriages.

Bosses said the carriages were about to be transformed ahead of the ELR’s popular Santa Specials services.

A spokesman from ELR said, “Once again we’ve been struck by mindless vandalism to our carriages.

“These carriages were broken into this week, while we were waiting to prepare them for our Santa Special trains, taking valuable resources, both financial and volunteer & staff, away from other vital jobs at this very busy time of year.

“We would appreciate support in many ways; donations are always welcome.

“[But] more importantly, if you live locally, do you know where your children go to in an evening? If you have information, please do pass it on to local police or anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

Back in May, the ELR slammed “disgraceful” vandals after trains were daubed with graffiti in what it described as a “deeply frustrating” act.

A locomotive and several coaches from the InterCity 125 rolling stock were daubed with extensive graffiti.

One of the coaches had recently been repainted in February, with bosses saying the damage was “particularly galling”.

ELR Chairman Mike Kelly said: “This is a disgraceful and deeply frustrating attack on a railway run largely by volunteers.”

He continued: “Many of the steam and diesel traction are owned either by the ELR or groups and in some cases, private individuals who give their time freely to preserve our 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 railway runs over a 12.5-mile line between Heywood, Greater Manchester, and Rawtenstall in Lancashire.

It passes through the scenic Irwell Valley, passing industrial relics, factories, fields and cottages.