‘Brexit plot’ to disrupt trains

A device to try and sabotage the train network was placed on railway lines near Peterborough - and police believe the plot was linked to Brexit protesters.

British Transport Police said the ‘device’ was placed on tracks at Yaxley on March 21, and was designed to stop trains on the tracks.

A similar device was placed on lines in Nottinghamshire less than a week later.

Pro-Brexit messages were placed on the devices.

A British Transport Police spokesman said the device would not have been able to derail a train, but would have impacted the track circuiting which would interfere with signalling, causing travel disruption.

ACC Sean O’Callaghan from British Transport Police, said whoever had placed the device on the tracks was putting their own life at risk. He 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, however this failed on both occasions. 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 responsible.”

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police by sending a text to 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.

The message on one of the devices