RECKLESS cable thieves targeted Blackburn’s railway network twice in 24 hours causing massive disruption and putting their own lives at risk.

Just before 6am on Friday thieves tried to remove electrical wires carrying 650 volts from ducts near the station, causing a significant fire.

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Disruption to services to and from Preston, Colne and Clitheroe lasted from the morning rush hour through the day to the evening commute.

In the early hours of Saturday, thieves came back to make a second attempt to steal cables.

Last night British Transport Police, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Blackburn MP Kate Hollern warned the thieves they were risking their own lives as well causing massive disruption for rail travellers.

John Riley, crew manager at Blackburn fire station, said: “At 5.56 on Friday morning we were called to the railway sidings on Bolton Road after a signal failure was reported on the main line through Blackburn.

“Engineers from Network Rail found that a section of ducting had been tampered with and cables set on fire in an attempt to steal them.

“They immediately called the fire service. Trains were halted.

“It was found that two other areas of cable further along the track had also been set on fire deliberately.

“Three of the cables were carrying 650 volts each.

“The incident caused disruption on the East Lancashire Line for several hours.

“Railway lines are very dangerous. Tampering with high-voltage cables could prove fatal.”

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesperson said: “Officers were called to the line close to Blackburn station just after midnight on on the morning Saturday, August 22 following reports of burnt cable.

“We attended the location the previous morning having received a similar report. Officers are investigating.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Incidents such as these not only cause huge amounts of disruption to passengers but can have fatal consequences.

“Tampering with high-voltage cables is extremely dangerous and trains are fast, quiet and cannot stop quickly.”

Mrs Hollern said: “This is reckless and dangerous.

“These criminals cause misery for passengers and put their own lives and those of others a risk.

“A 650-volt cable is potentially fatal.”