Heritage railway in Kent hit with spate of vandalism

A heritage railway in East Kent has been targeted by vandals in a spate of attacks on carriages and track.

The East Kent Railway says the majority of trackside signage and gradient markers have been smashed, defaced or stolen between Shepherdswell and Eythorne.

Other nights the trust has seen fences broken and items placed on the tracks.

The team says the damage caused will set back the reopening date, with a fundraising appeal now underway to help the cost in repairing the railway.

General Manager, Matthew Plews, says it 'couldn't have come at a worse time.'

On Tuesday the group said it has undergone meetings with Thelien Security Group and Kent Police, which will now be undertaking regular patrols of the grounds, track and stations.

The public are being urged to stay off of the track, and that people can report any information on the vandalism anonymously to the trust, Crimestoppers, or the police.