Muggles vandalise Hogwarts Express

A gang of teenage vandals has wrecked the Hogwarts Express that shuttles Harry Potter to wizard school in the blockbuster films.

The train - famed for departing from imaginary platform 9 3/4 at London's King's Cross station in the fantasy series - had more than 230 of its windows smashed by the yobs.

The damage will cost at least £50,000 to repair, according to train operator West Coast Railways.

A spokeswoman said hammers were used to break the toughened glass and several were found at the scene.

British Transport Police and forensic experts spent several days at the depot in Carnforth, Lancashire, after the train was attacked on March 10.

No one has been arrested yet and enquiries are continuing.

Forensic teams left the site earlier this week and repair work is expected to start next week, the WCR spokeswoman said.

It is unknown at this stage when the tourist train will return to the tracks.

It is frequently hired out to Warner Bros for use in the Harry Potter films.

This attack was the second time vandals have targeted the Hogwarts Express.

In September 2003, graffiti was sprayed on a carriage as the train was parked near Scarborough, North Yorkshire, costing £3,000 to repair.