Heritage railway hit by 'major' graffiti attack across two trains

Volunteers had to work through the day to remove the graffiti tags

A heritage railway in Derbyshire has been hit by a "major graffiti attack".

On Saturday evening, The Midland Railway at Butterley, near Ripley, was trespassed on by vandals who painted extensive graffiti across two 1980s Pacer diesel railbuses.

Volunteers had to work through Sunday to remove the graffiti before the vehicles' paintwork was seriously damaged.

The railway estimates about £5,000 of damage was caused.

A spokesman for the railway said: "Saturday night, we were victims to a major graffiti attack.

"Volunteers arrived at Butterley [Sunday] morning ready to run services to find both operational Pacer vehicles 141113 and 142011 had been covered on the north sides.

Paintwork had to be saved at short notice

"Volunteers have had to spend all day rearranging their work plans to help try to remove the graffiti before any damage to the paintwork occurs.

"Midland Railway - Butterley are saddened to report this, and it is not acceptable."

Earlier this month, a window was smashed on one of its trains before access was gained using a ladder.

Police, who located a number of suspects inside on arrival, say a Snapchat video was being filmed inside.

Trespassers smashed a window

A spokesman for The Midland Railway - Butterley, which is now fundraising to upgrade its site-wide CCTV and increase security, said: "We have noticed a number of trespassing incidents where people find it acceptable to walk along our line.

"There is absolutely no reason to visit our railway, or any other heritage railway, out of hours.

"This has been extremely distressing for volunteers who are having to help clean up the mess for those who think it is okay.

"These vehicles have all had countless hours of restoration and maintenance to keep them in operational condition for all visitors to enjoy."