
A rare diesel train worth £100,000 has been destroyed following an arson attack at a railway station.

The diesel multiple unit (DMU) 'Thumper' unit was parked up near the Hayes Knoll sheds at the end of the main line when the fire was discovered on Friday at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway in Wiltshire.

Swindon and Cricklade Railway trustee Dave Peacey said: 'It is completely beyond repair. As far as I'm aware there are only three of these left in the country. It is a very rare train.

'The most depressing thing was that volunteers had spent January and February completely refurbishing it.

'We repainted it, cleaned all the upholstery and made it look really smart for this coming season. And now of course we've lost it and it's very hurtful.'

The value of the locomotive is put at about £100,000. Three box wagons containing electrical equipment were also destroyed.

Mr Peacey said it is thought the blaze may have started in the wagons and spread to the rare two-car unit. The train was built in 1964 and was one of only three in the country.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said it was investigating the cause of the blaze.

A rare diesel train (pictured) has been destroyed following an arson attack at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway in Wiltshire

The diesel multiple unit (DMU) 'Thumper' unit was parked up near the Hayes Knoll sheds at the end of the main line when the fire was discovered on Friday at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway in Wiltshire

Swindon and Cricklade Railway trustee Dave Peacey said: 'It is completely beyond repair. As far as I'm aware there are only three of these left in the country. It is a very rare train'

Mr Peacey said it is thought the blaze may have started in the wagons and spread to the rare two-car unit. The train was built in 1964 and was one of only three in the country

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said it is investigating the cause of the blaze but it is thought to have been an arson attack