Benfleet station c2c toilet vandals 'will be banned'

c2c bosses apologised to commuters yesterday morning after anyone needed to use the loos were unable to while they were out of action.

The photos, supplied by c2c, show doors have been ripped off hinges, toilet roll holders broken, and damage to the cubicles.

A spokesman for c2c has said vandalism will not be tolerated and those responsible will be banned.

They said: “I can confirm the toilets at Benfleet station were vandalised last night.

“We are working closely with our colleagues at the British Transport Police to investigate the incident.

“We apologise to customers who have had to experience the aftermath of this senseless vandalism today. Vandalism on our network will not be tolerated.

“If you see anything that doesn't look right, please report it to @BTP through 61016 or the Railway Guardian app.”

The lastest incident comes after a numerous cases of vandalism over the past few months at c2c stations.

Towards the end of February, vandals caused severe damage at Basildon train station after chip and pin readers were damaged and windows were broken, along with Wi-Fi system.

Just days later, mindless yobs vandalised both Southend East and Westcliff station – ripping posters off the walls and breaking their holders.

Iain Palmer, head of security and revenue protection for c2c, added once the perpetrators have been found and convicted, they will be banned.

He said: “This outrageous vandalism to the facilities at Benfleet station is completely unacceptable and we are working closely with the British Transport Police to apprehend those responsible. 

“We are working with our colleagues in our CCTV control centre to identify the perpetrator/s entering the station, and we are working with our security firm to put additional patrols in place. 

“Once convicted, c2c will ban those responsible from using our stations and services.”

British Transport Police has been contacted for comment by the Echo.