Historical train carriages at a Co Down museum have been damaged in an act of "wanton vandalism", police said.
Officers are investigating a report of criminal damage caused to the carriages in Downpatrick, which is believed to have taken place on Friday.
The PSNI said that it happened on Market Street, where the Downpatrick and County Down Railway museum is located.
It is appealing for information to help with the investigation.
"It was reported that entry had been gained to the site at Market Street and a number of historical carriages had been damaged," a PSNI statement said.
"It's believed this occurred at some time on the afternoon of Friday 20 September.
"This act of wanton vandalism has been extremely distressing for the volunteers at the museum, who spend so much time and effort doing good in their community.
"This is in stark contrast to the actions of those responsible".
These carriages hold a special place in the hearts of many of you who ride our Lapland Express at Christmas. Now, repairing this extensive damage — including replacing several custom-made toughened windows — will cost us thousands of pounds. pic.twitter.com/FMoEkaUZuE
— Downpatrick & County Down Railway (@downrail) September 22, 2024
The museum said that it will cost "thousands of pounds" to repair the "extensive damage" caused to the carriages.
"Our volunteers, who contribute so much to the Downpatrick community and have worked so hard to repair last year's flood damage, are absolutely devastated that their hard work has again been set back by pointless destruction".
