£1,000 reward to trap bridge blaze thieves

British Transport Police appealed for information after “significant damage” was caused by the blaze at Tinsley Viaduct Junction, off Wharf Lane.

Officers attended at 4.30pm last Thursday, to find that thieves had started the fire while trying to take cabling.

The blaze spread to wooden sleepers on the bridge and the line had to be closed for more than two hours, until deemed safe by Network Rail.

BTP’s Det Con Michael Kelly said: “We believe this was an attempt to steal cable which went wrong.

“We have launched an investigation into the incident, undertaken significant forensic analysis of the scene and are conducting enquiries in the area.

“A bridge was also set alight in the Doncaster area the night before. At this stage we are not linking the two incidents but we will be keeping an open mind as part of our investigation.”

Network Rail and Crimestoppers have offered up to £1,000 for information leading to the conviction of any cable thieves following the incident.

Call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident 452 of June 9 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.