VANDALS have smashed the same train ticket machine twice in less than two weeks.

Dovercourt Station's ticket machine first was smashed and vandalised by yobs on Monday, October 3 - leaving it out of service.

Greater Anglia repaired the machine on Friday, October 5, but it has now been badly damaged again.

A Greater Anglia spokesman said: “We apologise to customers inconvenienced by the ticket machine at Dovercourt being out of order after it was vandalised again in such a short space of time.

“We are looking at options including increasing CCTV coverage close to the machine to prevent this type of behaviour from reoccurring.

“We would urge anyone who sees a crime being committed on the railway to contact British Transport Police immediately on 61016.”

In the meantime, passengers can buy tickets from the conductor on the train, or collect any pre-paid tickets when they arrive at their destination.

Tickets can also be bought via the Greater Anglia app or website.