The Avon Valley Railway has launched a Bounce Back Appeal after a former employee carried out deliberate acts of fraud against the railway.

Matthew Smith was a well-respected member of staff at the railway; however, with the fraud reported to the police, it has been discovered that his details were false, and the true identity is Nathan Hudson, a wanted criminal with a history of scamming operations in Humberside and Edinburgh.

Nathan Hudson created fake profiles and fabricated supporting documentation to maintain his false identity.

The railway says that some staff and volunteers have also been financially impacted, something he did in his previous scams.

After an investigation, the railway says that it has been impacted by around £50,000 as a result of his actions, meaning planned maintenance and restoration work over the winter could not take place.

The railway’s Chairman, Roger Eynon, said, ‘It’s been a difficult few months for all of us, and we’re working hard to recover from Matthew Smith/Nathan Hudson’s actions. We’re launching our Bounce Back appeal to enable us to continue our vital restoration work this year and beyond so any money we receive is so massively appreciated at this time. People can find out more at www.avrht.org/bounceback‘

Officer in the case PC Adrian Wallace said: ”The victims of these fraud cases are from across the country, but Nathan Hudson has previously lived in Cottingham, East Riding of Yorkshire, and may have since travelled to the area of Wiltshire. It is also believed he uses the alias Matthew Smith.

”Officers continue extensive enquiries and country-wide searches, which have so far been unsuccessful, and so we are re-appealing for help to locate him.”

For enquires please contact the Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust at [email protected]

If you have any information about Nathan Hudson please contact the police using the non-emergency number 101 and quoting crime reference number: 24*149140.