Vandals who smashed through ticket office wall may have been exposed to asbestos during Cumbrian station break-in

17 February 2022

Northern are urging vandals who broke into a Cumbrian station building to seek medical advice after they may have exposed themselves to asbestos fibres during an overnight break-in at Cumbrian train station when they smashed through a wall.

Thieves broke into Workington train station on Wednesday 16 February at around 2.30am by knocking through a ceiling and adjacent wall on platform one to access the booking office.

The asbestos, which had been recorded, was sealed safely in the wall before it was damaged.

The area has now been cordoned off and there is no danger to Northern colleagues or customers.

Public Health England advises that anyone who comes into contact with asbestos fibres should seek medical advice.

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern said: “Significant damage has been made to the ticket office at Workington train station after a break-in. It is currently closed while a clean-up operation is underway.

“It is not yet known what has been taken but we are working to establish this.”

"If you have any information that could help catch those responsible, please contact the police.