HOURS of delays and thousands of pounds worth of damage were caused when thieves attempted to steal live cable from a Fenland railway line.

British Transport Police are investigating an incident from the early hours of Monday where cuts were made to cable. None was taken, but the attempted theft of the cable from the line between Manea and Ely at around 3.08am, has caused severe disruption to the line.

PC Paul Gray said: “The act of stealing, or attempting to steal, cable is extremely dangerous.

“What the thieves don’t realise is that they are working on live cable, carrying up to 25,000 volts, which can cause extensive burns. By attempting to steal it they are seriously putting their lives at risk.

“Anyone who has any information about the incident, or who saw any suspicious activity in the area is asked to come forward.”

The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to �1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any cable thieves.

Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or anyone with information about cable theft should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 48 of 28/03/2011.