Thieves steal more than £20,000 of metal fittings putting restoration of 'world's oldest railway' at risk
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Northumbria Police has launched an investigation after copper pipework and brass fittings were stolen from Tanfield Railway’s Sunniside base.
Thieves hit at the Gateshead site on Tuesday, April 28 and made off with metal worth more than £20,000, police say.
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Hide AdThe incident means that the restoration of the steam locomotive, salvaged from Horden Colliery and aged around 116-years-old, is now at risk due to the cost.
Detective Constable Shaun Atherton, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a targeted theft where thieves preyed on a charitable organisation during lockdown.
“The copper piping and brass fittings taken are antique and the parts are of great importance to the railway museum for restoration of the “Horden” locomotive salvaged from Horden Colliery.
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Hide AdTanfield Railway Trust chairman, Derek Smith added: “Our volunteers have put thousands of hours into the restoration of Horden.
“Before the lockdown, it was only weeks away from hauling trains for the first time since 1972.
“The theft will put that back months and cost more than £20,000; money that we can ill afford at a time when we have no income.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the force via the “report an incident” page and quote log 300 280420.