Barrier torn from Marsh Benham crossing in vandalism attack
The CCTV relay room at the crossing, which crosses the West Coast mainline from Reading to Taunton on Milkhouse Road in the Marsh Benham, also fell victim to the vandals.
A spokeswoman for the British Transport Police, Lucy Jones, confirmed that the police was alerted to the incident at 3:17am this morning following a report of two men acting suspiciously, one of whom was riding a moped.
She said: “On arrival, officers discovered that one of the barriers had been knocked off the crossing and a further search revealed that the CCTV relay room for the crossing had also been vandalised.
“Why the barrier was damaged and the CCTV room vandalised is unclear at present.
“Police are following several lines of enquiry, including seizing forensic opportunities from the scene, and want to hear from anyone with information.
“Officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw anything in the area at the time - especially two men, one riding a moped – that could assist the investigation.”
A spokeswoman for Network Rail, Sam Kelly, confirmed that the barrier had been replaced by 5am.
Anyone with information should contact the British Transport Police by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016 quoting reference 39 of 06/06/2013.