'Heartbreak' over damage to County Down steam trains

The chairman of a County Down heritage railway says he is “heartbroken” after damage was caused to three vintage steam-hauled carriages after the premises was broken into.

Robert Gardiner said the Downpatrick and County Down Railway was broken into on Friday at about 15:30 BST.

He said a brick had been thrown through the window and a door smashed.

He said that the damage would cost thousands to repair.

The PSNI said that entry had been gained to the Market Street site and a number of historical carriages had been damaged.

Police said they were investigating a report of criminal damage caused to train carriages at the Downpatrick museum.

A spokesperson said it was "wanton vandalism" and it had been extremely distressing for the volunteers at the museum, who "spend so much time and effort doing good in their community".

"This is in stark contrast to the actions of those responsible," the spokesperson added.

"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," said Mr Gardiner.

The Downpatrick and County Down Railway is a private charitable heritage railway organisation which operates steam and diesel train services on three miles of track in Downpatrick.

The railway was hit badly by flooding in County Down last November and is still waiting on the go ahead to reopen.

"Incidents like this, you wonder how much more can you take?" said Mr Gardiner.

However, he added that the response from the public and support had been "overwhelming".