Vandalism was the likely cause of widespread disruption affecting passengers in and out of Birmingham today, according to Network Rail.
Pictures released by the rail infrastructure operator show apparent attempts to burn and cut cables powering signals at a junction south of Birmingham New Street station.
The resulting signal failure, in the early hours of today, caused major disruption.
Pictures show apparent attempts to burn and cut cables
A Network Rail spokesman said: 'Early indications are that foul play caused today’s signalling failure. As well as putting their lives at risk, railway trespassers and vandals can face fines and prison sentences.
'Thousands of people were delayed getting to work today. The cost to the industry will run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. This is taxpayers’ money which could have been invested in improving the railway.'
Train services in and out of the south side of the recently refurbished New Street station resumed around 9.15am but passengers have beed advised that it will take some time for timetables to get back to normal.
