POLICE are appealing for information after over £2,500 of damage was caused to a police car at Newport train station.

The marked British Transport Police car – a Nissan Pathfinder – was parked in a police bay at the city’s rail station when it was targeted in the early hours of Sunday, 12 January.

PC Craig Farrell, who is investigating the incident, said: “At around 12.50am, a man approached the vehicle and picked up a metal crowd control barrier which he used to repeatedly strike the passenger side of the car.

“Once the alarm was activated he ran off, only to return a few moments later and continue the attack.

“The vehicle received extensive damage to the passenger side door and wing mirror, while the rear passenger side window was also smashed. The total cost of the damage has been put at £2,609.

“This was a prolonged attack, lasting almost five minutes, and it was clear that the vehicle was deliberately targeted.

“Enquiries have been ongoing to trace the man and I am now in a position to release a CCTV image of a person we would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

“We are particularly keen to trace this man as we believe he will have information which can assist the investigation.

“Anyone who knows the identity of the man or his current whereabouts is asked to contact BTP.”

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference WCA/B4 of 03/02/2014. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.