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Heartbreak after vandals attack heritage railway carriages

In the early hours of Sunday 23rd July 2017, North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s (NYMR’s) historic teak carriages were deliberately vandalised. The carriages were parked in the siding, at the far side of the main visitor car park at Pickering. 

North Yorkshire Police are currently onsite, assessing the situation.

The beautiful varnished teak carriage set, comprised of eight carriages, dating from 1930 to 1950. These carriages have regularly appeared in films and television, recent appearances including ‘Downton Abbey’ and the remake of ‘Dad’s Army’.

Chris Price, NYMR’s General Manager said, “We were absolutely devastated to discover that the carriages had been damaged overnight. The set was found with the windows smashed and the furniture and fixings completely ruined, obviously all the staff and volunteers are extremely upset.

Until the set has been completely assessed we will not know the full extent of the damage caused, I doubt very much that the set will run again in the 2017 season.”

Saturday 22nd July was the launch of the new bigger and better ‘60s Fest’ event which was taking place over the weekend. The railway welcomed thousands of passengers, who enjoyed live music, just meters away from where the carriages were vandalised.

Laura Strangeway, NYMR’s Marketing Manager said, “Unfortunately there will be service disruptions today and any visitors wanting to travel along the line will need to check the website, nymr.co.uk or call customer services, 01751 472508 for updates.  The live music and displays planned for ‘60s Fest will go ahead along the line as planned.”

The teak carriages are owned and maintained by the London and North Eastern Railway Coach Association (LNERCA), who are a volunteer run, charitable organisation which restores the heritage coaches for use on the NYMR.

Police investigating vandalism caused to North York Moors Railway carriages at Pickering have arrested two boys and expect to make further arrests as the investigation continues.

The two boys aged 17, have been released while under investigation.

Enquiries are continuing and police are urging anyone who has any images from the incident to forward it to North Yorkshire Police at general.enquiries@northyorkshire.police.uk

Anyone with any other information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and pass information to the Force Control Room.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference 12170129575 when passing on information.

CCTV costs less than that,....

You would think given the number of attacks on preserved railways that more would be invested in security, wouldn't you.