Detectives from the British Transport Police (BTP) are currently investigating two malicious obstructions which occurred on the railway near Yaxley, Cambridgeshire on 21 March and at Netherfield, Nottinghamshire on 27 March.
In both incidents, railway workers from Network Rail had identified devices on the rail tracks which were intended to cause disruption to railway services.
A statement released by the BTP confirmed that the items failed to disrupt services as intended.
This information has only just been released by the BTP (2nd April) owing to the sensitivities surrounding the initial investigation.
ACC Sean O’Callaghan from British Transport Police, said:
“This was a serious and deliberate attempt by someone to cause significant sabotage and disruption to Britain’s rail network. We are urgently investigating the circumstances behind both incidents and are working extremely closely with our national partners, including the rail industry.
“It is important to highlight that these acts were intended only to delay services and not cause damage to the infrastructure,
“The railway has a number of substantial safeguards in place to prevent and detect this type of sabotage and we are now working tirelessly to identify those
“We’re are currently keeping an open mind on why someone would put their life at risk to place these items on a live railway,
“We’ll continue to monitor this situation extremely closely and have circulated advice to rail operators and indeed Network Rail.
“Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.”
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“We’re are currently keeping an open mind on why someone would put their life at risk to place these items on a live railway, however our early assessment has led us to believe it relates to Britain’s exit from the European Union.”
The photo I saw of a ‘device’ had “Leave means leave” written on it, I can see why you are police officers….
Were there any delays due to the wrong kind of Leaves on the line?