The much-loved Thomas the Tank Engine road train - which runs up and down the seafront in a Suffolk resort - has been stolen.

East Anglian Daily Times: A Thomas the Tank Engine land train has been stolen in Lowestoft. Picture: SUFFOLK POLICEA Thomas the Tank Engine land train has been stolen in Lowestoft. Picture: SUFFOLK POLICE (Image: Archant)

Between 4.30pm on Tuesday, July 17, and 10.45am on Wednesday, July 18, offenders forced entry to a blue shopping container off Kirkley Cliff Road, Lowestoft, and made off with the distinctive blue train.

It has been a part of the seaside experience at Lowestoft for years, running children and families up and down the South Beach Promenade.

It is described as a blue ‘locomotive’ with a Thomas the Tank Engine face and an orange canopy with two passenger carriages.

Suffolk police say they believe a lorry nay have been used to remove the road train from the container, between Kensington Gardens and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

East Anglian Daily Times: The land has taken visitors up the seafront in Lowestoft for years. Picture: MICK HOWESThe land has taken visitors up the seafront in Lowestoft for years. Picture: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)

Anybody who saw or heard anything suspicious at the time of the burglary or who has any information as to the whereabouts of the vehicle are asked to call Lowestoft Police on 101 quoting reference 40241/18.

Alternatively contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

East Anglian Daily Times: Police are asking witnesses to come forward. Picture: MICK HOWESPolice are asking witnesses to come forward. Picture: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)