Suspected metal thieves have caused signalling cables to catch fire on the Shropshire railway leading to delays for passengers making their way from Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton. Passengers are advised to check their travel ahead of making a journey.

The damage took place today (Wed 5th April) and Network Rail has now released images which reveal charred cable remains. The fire has knocked out the traffic lights for trains travelling between Shrewsbury and Telford. Railway response teams attended and dealt with the incident shortly before 3am where they discovered concrete troughing which houses the cables burning. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service were called in order to safely extinguish the fire.

Initially, all services had to be stopped however limited trains are now able to run whilst engineers work quickly to fix the damage.

Anyone travelling between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton are advised to check their travel plans via www.nationalrail.co.uk before leaving and should expect delays throughout the day.

Kevin Siddell, Network Rail’s North West and Central region head of crime and security, said: “We’re sorry to passengers impacted by signalling problems between Shrewsbury and Telford after a suspected metal theft. Cabling which controls traffic lights for trains have been badly damaged by fire. We’d like to thank Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service for their swift response to extinguish the flames and prevent any more damage being caused.

“A limited number of trains are now running while our engineers continue to make emergency repairs. As delays are expected for the rest of today, we’d urge people to check National Rail Enquiries before they set off on their journey.”

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at West Midlands Railway, said: “I’d like to thank passengers travelling between Shrewsbury and Birmingham today for their patience while Network Rail makes emergency repairs following a suspected metal theft incident overnight. Services may be impacted for the rest of the day, so I would urge passengers to check their train is running before setting out.”

Network Rail is working alongside British Transport Police whilst the incident is investigated.

Witnesses of any suspicious behaviour on or around the railway are asked to report it to British Transport Police by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016.