Metal thieves spark rail chaos

Jun 9 2008 By Dale Williams

THOUSANDS of commuters faced rail chaos today following a vandal attack.

The Arriva Trains Wales service from Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury was cancelled from early this morning.

The attack also caused a knock-on effect for other rail services in the region.

Virgin Trains was reporting delays of up to 30 minutes between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton due to the vandalism at Tipton.

The problems were caused just before midnight when mindless thieves stole signalling cable, possibly for its scrap metal value.

They struck near the level crossing at Owen Street, Tipton. As a result the signals were knocked out on that stretch of line. A spokesman for British Transport Police said: "We got a call at about 11.45pm and we have been on scene overnight.

"Scenes of crime officers have also been there to carry out a forensic examination.

"As a result of the theft and the closure of the line rail services have been hit and trains have either been cancelled, or are being diverted around the affected line."

He said how the diversions were being managed was a matter for the rail service providers.n Anyone with information, or who may have spotted anything suspicious around Owen Street, can ring 0800 40 50 40.