Network Rail has offered a substantial, four figure sum in return for information leading to the successful prosecution and conviction of the criminal(s) who deliberately set fire to Kilmarnock signal box on Christmas Day.

The fire at Kilmarnock signal box caused severe disruption to all services via Kilmarnock and cancellation of all trains running south from the station until 3 January, when normal services resumed.

David Simpson, Network Rail’s Route Director, has offered the reward to help British Transport Police in their efforts to catch the criminals. He said: “This fire was a deliberate act of vandalism and we cannot let those responsible get away with it. We hope that this reward will help the British Transport Police get the information they need to catch and convict the people who brought misery to Kilmarnock travellers during the Christmas holidays. Despite the major damage to the signal centre we managed to get everything repaired in record time so that commuters returning to work on 3 January could catch their normal train. Restoring services was a massive task and this was only possible because 50 members of Network Rail staff gave up their Christmas break to come in and help with the repair efforts. I urge anyone with any information about this crime to contact the British Transport Police.”

The investigation into the fire that was reported around 20.00 hours on Monday 25 December is being led by British Transport Police (BTP). They have issued a description of a man they wish to trace, as he may have vital information regarding the incident; he is described as being between 20-30 years of age and wearing dark clothing.

Detective Inspector Jim McKelvie of British Transport Police, the officer leading the enquiry, said: “We are determined to catch those responsible for deliberately starting the fire at Kilmarnock signalling centre. The substantial reward is being offered by Network Rail to encourage anyone who may have vital information to contact BTP.”

British Transport Police have also distributed posters, highlighting the reward, in the local area.

Anyone who has information about the Kilmarnock signal box fire is asked to contact the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 (where information may be given anonymously).