Vandals have caused ‘severe damage’ at a family attraction in York.
They broke in to Murton Park on Sunday evening (23 June) and smashed up parts of the Roman Fort.
Doors, roofs and fences were damaged.
Popular with schools, the fort allows youngsters to learn about life as a new recruit to the Roman Army and the wider impact of Roman civilisation on life in Britain.
The damage was caused by a group of intruders. Staff at Murton Park were able to clear up and keep the fort running for its educational days.
But it has left the registered charity needing to find more funds to fix the
Craig Benton, managing director of Murton Park, told YorkMix: “On the evening of Sunday 23 June a group of individuals broke into one of the educational sites, the Roman fort, where they have severely damaged buildings that we deliver our education product in which is devastating.
“We are grateful for everyone who has shown support.”
Fans of Murton Park, also home to the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, were shocked by the criminal damage.
“This is sheer vandalism, absolutely awful for you all,” one commented.
Another said: “Feeling very upset and frustrated as well as angry to see and hear that this has happened. Can’t understand why anyone would do this and I hope that who ever has done this is caught and made to pay for the damage and disruption.’
A team from Murton Park are planning to walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall dressed in Roman period military clothing to raise money for the maintenance of the Living History sites.
The trek led by Dan Coultas, from the Living History team, will take place between 21 and 27 July, and will also raise funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
The museum says the cost of the damage “means that Dan and his team’s fundraising efforts have become even more crucial for the site’s upkeep”.
If you can help, you can donate on the JustGiving page here.