Vandals cause major disruption on Midlands trains

London Midland says it has no estimate for when services will resume as normal Credit: PA

There is major disruption on the trains this morning after vandalism between Birmingham International and Coventry caused fires and a number of signal failures.

London Midland's control team was alerted to a number of signal failures between Canley and Hampton in Arden shortly after midnight.

Network Rail confirmed the damage had been caused by a cable fire and that a second fire had been set in the Tile Hill area.

This has caused significant damage to the signalling infrastructure, with over 20 cables heavily damaged in the first fire.

A number of trains have been cancelled between Birmingham International and Coventry while the damage is repaired.

The disruption caused by the vandalism means a number of services will start at alternative stations while other train operators are accepting London Midland tickets.

Rail replacement bus services are being arranged to transport passengers between Birmingham International and Coventry, calling at all stations on route.

There is currently no estimation from Network Rail as to when the significantly damaged stretch of railway will reopen.