THIEVES who stole 70 yards of copper cable from a train line running from Warrington to Earlestown caused chaos for scores of Widnes passengers.
Commuters travelling to Warrington from Hough Green and Widnes North had their journeys delayed.
Nearly 60 trains were affected during six hours of delays.
British Transport Police were called to investigate at about 12.20am last Wednesday.
Police were called again the following day following the attempted theft of three further lengths of copper cable.
It is thought that the stolen copper is being shipped abroad or sold to recycling yards.
It is believed the cable was cut and stolen some time between the evening of Wednesday, May 3, and the early hours of the following morning.
The theft caused a loss of power to the line.
One commuter said: 'There was a delay when I was waiting at the station. I couldn't wait any longer and went back home for the car.'
Sergeant Andy Thomkins, who is leading the investigation into the incident, said: 'I am appealing for anyone with any information whatsoever to come forward and assist with the investigation.'
If anyone has any information, they should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040.
