The Downpatrick and County Down Railway has released an update after youths broke into their station yard and caused damage to carriages.

At around 3:30pm on the 20th September, a number of youths gained access to the station yard. They attempted to kick down a building door before heading to the carriages.

One of the youths was seen to be throwing a brick through a gangway door of the Park Royal coach whilst another filmed it.

Once they had gained access, they left a trail of destruction through all three carriages, smashing windows, and corridor doors and breaking tables before leaving around 4 pm.

It has also been found that diesel was poured on the floor of the carriages, pointing towards a potential arson attempt.

The damage will cost around £1000 in materials alone, but volunteers have spent 1000s of hours restoring the carriage.

The response to the incident has seen over £2000 in donations towards the repairs and a local company has offered to provide new windows free of charge.

The PSNI has identified the perpetrators with at least one already being cautioned ahead of a formal interview thanks to dozens of CCTV cameras that were installed during the pandemic.

If you would like to donate towards the appeal, you can do so on the DCDR website.