METAL thieves attempted to steal cable from the Channel Tunnel at Ebbsfleet.

Around 180 metres of live cable was disturbed during the incident, which took place between 7.30pm on June 3 and 6pm on June 4, although nothing was stolen.

British Transport Police officers have today released images of two distinctive trolleys found close to the tracks, which they believe were going to be used to remove the cable.

Investigating officer Sergeant Martin Keep said: “We are following a number of leads but, at this stage, I am appealing for members of the public to come forward with any information which may assist the investigation.

"The theft of cable is not just an attack on the railway – it has a direct impact on the day-to-day lives of thousands of passengers.

“We believe the two distinctive trolleys which officers discovered very close to the tracks were to be used by the offenders to remove the cable from the line.

“I’d urge anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity close to the tracks between those two dates, or who saw the trolleys on those days, to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference B7/LNA of 11/06/2013, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.