Thomas engine ride 'shunted off'

Thomas the Tank Engine has been stolen from a County Durham shopping centre.

The heavy coin-operated ride was taken from St Cuthbert's Walk in Chester-le-Street on Thursday.

It is believed the thief first moved the machine to doors near the car park then returned, loaded it onto a dark green 4X4, and drove off.

A Durham Police spokeswoman said that the Fat Controller would no doubt be upset that Thomas haD been shunted off from his normal station.

She added: "But not as upset as the many children who enjoyed rides on him."

The area was busy with shoppers at the time, and police are appealing for anyone who was in the area and saw anything to contact them.