Vandals have attacked the Epping Ongar railway by "tagging" the sides of three of the historic steam trains.

The trains were covered in graffiti just after the railway had finished celebrating an event to mark 20 years since the last Tube trains arrived at Ongar station on Sunday.

Dean Walton, business manager at the railway, said: “We're working with Essex Police to help identify the culprits and are examining our CCTV footage which we expect will provide valuable images to the police in investigating this crime.

“Naturally we're very upset about this act of vandalism and if anyone has information about this graffiti attack then they can contact the railway, call Essex Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Mike Brown, managing director of London Underground, had at the event praised the conservation of the heritage project, saying:"The Epping Ongar railway is an important and beautifully preserved part of our rail heritage."