Four youths arrested after thousands of pounds of damage forces model railway show to be cancelled

The four youngsters were said to have been caught on site at Stamford Welland Academy in Green Lane in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The extensive vandalism caused the cancellation of the Market Deeping Model Railway Club's Stamford Show, which is an annual fixture in the calendar.

The club said: "Unfortunately, the intruders took it upon themselves to totally trash many of the layouts and stands.

"The club offers its grateful thanks for all the messages of support and the offers of help we have received.

"We are also most grateful for the donations given, especially Double O Scenics and a gentleman on the gate (sorry we didn't take your name)."

Lincolnshire Police said: "At about 3.50am today (Saturday) we were alerted by a local resident that noises had been heard coming from Queen Eleanor School in Stamford and a short time later whilst we were on our way to the call, the alarm at the school activated.

"On arrival at the school we arrested four youths, who were on the premises, for burglary and criminal damage. We are continuing our investigation and confirm damage was done to model railway exhibits which had been set up in the school for a display today."

The youths have now been released on conditional bail as police continue to investigate.