BOLTON and Blackburn commuters faced disruptions on the railways this morning after copper cable was stolen from tracks in Hollin Bank.
Some 40 yards of cable were stolen at about 4am causing signalling problems between Blackburn and Darwen.
The Manchester Victoria to Clitheroe route, which calls at stations including Salford Crescent, Bolton, Darwen and Blackburn, was affected.
The service was subject to delays and alterations until about 1pm when Northern Rail reported the problem was cleared.
The cable was stolen in the Cranbrook Street area just off the A666.
A spokesperson for the British Transport Police said: "We were called at 6.25am this morning to reports from Network Rail there had been a track failure at around 4am.
"We believe approximately 40 yards of copper cable has been stolen.
"British Transport Police are now investigating this theft and would appeal for witnesses who saw anything suspicious at this hour to contact us on 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers. "
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