Volunteers in three mile cross country chase following attempted theft from Mangapps Railway in Burnham

On Friday, two men tried to break into the Old Heath Station building at Mangapps Railway Museum, in Southminster Road, Burnham.

Volunteers were working on other vehicles when they saw two figures climbing on top of a rail wagon about a quarter of a mile away and acting suspiciously.

The group went to investigate and the pair ran off. John Jolly, manager, gave chase but the pair disappeared.

Mr Jolly said: “We had some volunteers working on vehicles at the base and one of them saw that there were two figures on top of a wagon down from the main base, which is obviously very dangerous.

“They went to investigate and the two lads ran off.

“I went after them in a van but they got through a gap in the fence I couldn’t get through in the van.

“They kept running and I rang the police who were very concerned and polite but were unable to send anyone down at that point.”

“I continued driving around the local lanes until we found them again and gave chase across the fields. We chased them all around Burnham and Creeksea.

“One of my colleagues managed to grab one but was unable to hold on and they ran off again across the railway line near Springfield Industrial Estate, only just missing being hit by a train.”

The wannabe thieves failed to gain entry to the building, but broke two windows and damaged a door panel.

The incident was reported to police, which is investigating the attempted break in.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Police were called after two suspects were seen climbing on exhibits at Mangapps Railway Museum, Southminster Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, at 1pm on Friday, April 21.

“When approached, they ran away. They are also believed to have gained entry to the museum building, by damaging a door and forcing it open. Windows had also been smashed.

“Hundreds of pounds of damage was caused.”

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”