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Cable theft halts trains between Bedford and Luton Train delay stolen cable replaced
(about 2 hours later)
A signalling problem caused by cable theft has been causing rail disruption in Bedfordshire, First Capital Connect has said. A stolen cable, which led to rail disruption on the First Capital Connect line in Bedfordshire, has been replaced, Network Rail has said.
It confirmed its Thameslink service has been "greatly reduced" between Bedford and Luton, and repairs may not be finished by rush hour. The cable had been stolen in Flitwick and caused delay to services out of St Pancras.
It said services may be "cancelled, delayed by up to 90 minutes or revised at short notice". Network Rail said problems, which affected the Bedford and Luton line during the day, were likely to continue into the rush hour.
A replacement bus service is calling at stations between Bedford and Luton. The Thameslink service had been "greatly reduced" during the day.
A replacement bus service has been calling at stations between Bedford and Luton.
Tickets are being accepted on First Capital Connect services to London Kings Cross and Moorgate.Tickets are being accepted on First Capital Connect services to London Kings Cross and Moorgate.
East Midlands Trains services are unable to call at Bedford on journeys towards London and London Midland trains on the Bedford and Bletchley line will not call at Bedford.
'Difficult time'
Roger Perkins from First Capital Connect apologised for what he described as a "very, very difficult time" for commuters.
"Last night there was deliberate criminal attempt to steal cable from an area north of Flitwick," he said.
"Twenty three of the 109 trains we use every morning are still trapped in sidings so we can't run any services in or out of Bedford.
"Network Rail is looking at the damage at the moment and working on it but they are unlikely to have the line ready again before rush hour."
One commuter who had been having difficulties trying to get from St Albans to Bedford told BBC Three Counties Radio the disruption had made him realise the impact of cable theft.
"I really get the sense today of what it costs when cable is stolen from railway lines. The guys are doing their best in fairness, but the buses were a bit chaotic and it was a bit disorganised," he said.
A spokesperson from the British Transport Police said officers were investigating the damage which they believed had been "caused deliberately".A spokesperson from the British Transport Police said officers were investigating the damage which they believed had been "caused deliberately".
A statement read: "We will work closely with Network Rail and Bedfordshire Police in a bid to trace the offenders.A statement read: "We will work closely with Network Rail and Bedfordshire Police in a bid to trace the offenders.
"Stealing or attempting to steal cable is extremely dangerous and anyone who has information about the incident is asked to come forward.""Stealing or attempting to steal cable is extremely dangerous and anyone who has information about the incident is asked to come forward."