Trains halted as thieves get away with 40-metre signal cable

The thieves made off with a 40-metre length of cable in the early hours, leaving a further 30 metres at the scene.

A South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive spokeswoman said: “Services travelling to and from Rotherham Central Station this morning were disrupted due to cable theft between Sheffield and Swinton.

“Replacement buses were running between Rotherham and Meadowhall. All train lines were re-opened by 8am and services returned to normal.”

British Transport Police have appealed for help catching those responsible for the overnight theft. A spokeswoman said: “We got reports at 3.38am of a loss of signalling between Rotherham and Adwick.

“Police were dispatched to the scene and a search of the area took place. We also had dog units out searching the area, but no suspects were found.”

She added: “There was 40 metres of cable stolen and 30 metres left behind — it looks like the thieves may have been interrupted.

“We have launched an investigation and we will be looking to identify the people responsible.”

Anyone with information on the theft is urged to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405 040. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.