Trains delayed around region as vandals and fires shut lines

Passengers faced delays after vandalism and two fires stopped trains running between Coventry and Birmingham New Street, forcing train diversions across the region until repairs are completed.

The fires on the railway affected cabling that is used to control signals. They were put out by fire service but the damage caused further delays to Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Dudley trains.

It was reported on 5.30am on Monday morning and an engineering overrun near Tyseley, caused by equipment failure, meant track work could not be completed.

One line through the area is out of use affecting some services between Birmingham and Stratford. Engineers were also on site at Five Ways, near Birmingham city centre, working to repair a track fault affecting some trains switching from one track to the other.

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John Crampton of Network Rail said: "We apologise to passengers affected by these incidents and encourage them to check with National Rail Enquires for the latest travel information.

"Trains have been affected across Wolverhampton, Dudley and Sandwell as well as Birmingham lines.We are carrying out repairs and working with all affected train operators to return services to normal as quickly as possible.

"We will be working with the police to trace those responsible for the vandalism between Coventry and Birmingham which has affected thousands of passengers today. The equipment failure affecting services through Tyseley is regrettable and we will look at how we can minimise this type of incident happening again."