VANDALS have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to a train on the East Lancashire Railway.

A group of youths smashed the window of a carriage as it was travelling from Bury through the Darnhill area of Heywood at about 1.45pm on Friday, July 26.

The wheelchair access carriage, which was funded by public donations three years ago, ­was empty at the time and no one was hurt.

However, bosses at the heritage railway believe it will cost about £300 to repair the damage.

It is not the first time the ELR has been targeted by vandals. In July 2017, the railway was subject to a spate of attacks, causing more than £30,000 worth of damage.

The recent attack has left volunteers stunned and they are now calling on the community to help stamp out trespassing and vandalism.

The ELR’s general manager, Tracey Parkinson, said: “We are deeply saddened by this latest vandalism attack.

“We are a registered charity that survives off the hard work and generosity of volunteers and supporters. Seeing our wheelchair accessible carriage subjected to a vandal attack is very upsetting for us all.

“We are just grateful no one was hurt. We have now informed the police who are dealing with the incident. Trespassing on any railway is very dangerous and is forbidden at the ELR. We have a strict stance on trespassing and vandalism and any persons caught doing so will be prosecuted.”

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 101.