Cable theft bid disrupts trains through Tamworth

Rail services were disrupted today because of signalling problems caused by the attempted theft of cable in the latest of a series of incidents to hit the industry.

Trains were affected through Tamworth in the Midlands, with journey times taking longer than usual and some diversions being put in place.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "Officers were called to the railway line at Watery Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire, this morning after a report that signalling cable had been damaged.

"BTP officers attended along with Network Rail engineers and discovered about 40 metres of telecoms cable had been cut, but not stolen.

"The damage resulted in trains being diverted, causing delays and inconvenience to passengers and rail staff this morning.

"Inquiries are ongoing and officers are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area, or who has information about those responsible for the damage, to come forward."

PA