Fireworks set off on vintage train
Police launch arson probe on railway
Vandals set off fireworks inside a historic train, sparking a police to launch an arson investigation Two restored 1960s dining cars, one of which has won an award, were vandalised at Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells, on New Year’s Eve.
Police are searching for an arsonist following the incident on New Year’s Eve.
A door was broken, food was thrown over the coaches, and a card reader was also reportedly stolen during the break-in. Staff took to social media and said: “It appears some people decided to have a New Year’s party and broke into our two beautifully restored 1960s dining cars, one being the award winning bar car ‘Kate’ at Tunbridge Wells West.
“There are remnants of fireworks set off inside the coaches, a charred box outside the door into Kate’s kitchen, mince pies and sandwiches chucked all over the coaches, one broken end door where they’ve attempted to get in plus evidence of a firework being launched.”
They added it was fortunate no fire actually took hold. An online Go Fund Me page was set up and has raised more than £1,300 for repair work. A police spokesman confirmed an arson investigation had been launched, adding: “We were called after break-ins were reported to two carriages that also suffered fire damage.” Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604 100, quoting crime reference 46/430/20, or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111. To donate to the online fundraiser see tinyurl. com/spavalley