Witness appeal after criminal damage to train at midland station

Gardaí are investigating a serious incident of criminal damage to a train at a midlands station in the early hours of Saturday, March 7.

Three train carriages were damaged with graffiti while parked in Athlone Train Station between 4am and 6am on Saturday.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have information in relation to this incident to contact them.

Any road users or pedestrians who were travelling in the area near Athlone Train Station between 4am and 6am and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) are asked to make this available to Gardaí.

Gardaí are interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen anything unusual during this time in Athlone on Saturday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Athlone Garda Station on 090 649 2600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

In a statement, Irish Rail said it had preserved CCTV footage.

Whilst the train was needed for an early morning service, it was then taken out of service and will be cleared at considerable cost.

"Vandalism of this nature is costly and disruptive and we always pursue such cases with the Gardaí, and we have had a number of successful prosecutions. Along with other Gardaí we will be working to ensure these vandals face justice," the Irish Rail spokesperson said