A train company is refusing to say how long security cameras on its platform were out of action.

Despite frequent attempts by the Gazette to establish the facts behind dysfuctional CCTV cameras at Manningtree Station, One Railway has not answered our questions.

Rail passenger groups and MPs have reacted with outrage that CCTV cameras - put in place for passenger safety - were out of action for weeks at Manningtree Station.

The news of the dysfunctional security system only came to light during the hunt for Natasha Coombs when police were prevented from pieceing together her movements at the station.

Derek Monnery, chairman of the Essex Rail Users Association, said One had been caught "with their trousers down" and should come clean with some answers on their failure to run a CCTV system.

He said: "I am absolutely appalled by this, the primary reason for not having staff at stations is because of CCTV - if One knew they were not working then they should have put staff on the platforms for the safety of their passengers and right now we need an explanation for this."

Tim Yeo, Conservative MP for South Suffolk, said it was time for One to re-build confidence with the public.

Jill Caswell, internal communications manager for One, said they were working with the police investigation into the disappearance of Natasha.

She did confirm the CCTV equipment at Manningtree was now working, but would not confirm how long it had been broken for.

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