A coach at a Suffolk heritage railway museum has been targeted by vandals.

During the pre-service track walk at the Mid Suffolk Light Railway (MSLR) at Brockford Station in Wetheringsett on Sunday, it was discovered that four of the six end windows in the Coach 12 Guard’s compartment had been smashed.

Those who volunteer at the railway believe steel rail chair keys were used to smash the windows.

The coaches had been at stabled at the Dovebrook end of the line all week due to shunting operations so it is not known for sure when the damage was sustained.

The carriage was built for the Great Eastern Railway in 1875 and was refurbished by volunteers at the museum’s works during 2000 and 2002.

Chairman of the MSLR, Jon Taylor, said: “You just can’t believe the mindlessness of it.

“This vehicle is 140 years old and is one of the most important working parts of the railway. Now we are going to have to spend money and volunteer time making good the damage.

“We may be Suffolk museum of the year but as a charity we depend on the goodwill of members and supporters funding and unpaid effort.

“This will be hundreds of pounds, which could be used in much better ways.”

The incident has been reported to Suffolk police.

Temporary repairs have taken place, with plywood coverings put in place over the damaged windows and templates have been prepared for replacement glazing to be sourced.

A Suffolk Constabulary spokeswoman said: “The incident occurred between 6pm on July 12 and 10.30am on July 19.

“Anyone with information is asked to call 101. reference ST/15/2355.”