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

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/heritage-railway-bosses-hit-out-at-mindless-vandalism-after-thugs-break-into-train-carriages-ahead-of-popular-christmas-service/
- Published: 2026-11-15T05:56:55+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T06:20:57+00:00
- Original publisher: GB News (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.gbnews.com/news/lancashire-news-heritage-railway-bosses-mindless-vandalism-christmas-service
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Carriages were broken into ahead of the railway’s Santa Specials.
- The damage has diverted staff and volunteer resources.
- The railway is appealing for information and donations.

## Summary

The East Lancashire Railway says its carriages were broken into and damaged shortly before staff and volunteers were due to prepare them for its popular Santa Specials. The railway described the vandalism as “mindless” and said the incident has diverted time and resources from other work during a busy period.

The Bury-based heritage railway runs for 12.5 miles between Heywood and Rawtenstall. It was also targeted in May, when a locomotive and several InterCity 125 coaches were covered in graffiti; one coach had been repainted in February. The railway is asking local residents to pass information to police or Crimestoppers, and says donations are welcome.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.