Disruption has spread to Bexleyheath following "malicious vandalism" to phone cables on the other side of London.

Talk Talk and BT Openreach announced that 11 fibre cables were “maliciously damaged” in Ealing, 2.5km from the Southbank exchange on Saturday night.  

Val Hollylee, 55, from Church Road, Bexleyheath, said: “I couldn’t get through to anyone over the weekend, our service came back shortly on Monday but it’s stopped working again now.

“BT Openreach have not said anything yet. The only reason I’ve been kept informed is because I called Talk Talk and they’ve been sending me updates via text.

“You pay your bills and you don’t get the service expected. I understand it is beyond their control but they could at least keep us updated.”

The disruption has also affected local businesses. Centre director Vicki Seamons from Kip McGrath’s Education Centres on Stephen Road in Bexleyheath said: “As it was half term I had the phone on divert. I came in over the weekend to find it hadn’t been working.

“Parents have been contacting me personally to say they couldn’t get in touch.

“If people can’t phone then they can’t find anything out. Likewise, if we can’t phone out then it’s going to be problematic. We really need this resolved as soon as possible.”

A BT Openreach spokesman said: “Openreach engineers have worked around the clock in 12 hour shifts removing damaged cables, clearing underground ducts and completing manual digs to repair collapsed ducts.

“Openreach engineers will continue to give this top priority until all service has been restored. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this criminal act.

“We would appeal for people to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour in or around street cabinets or manhole covers immediately. The theft of metal is a continuing problem in the UK, affecting many industry sectors.

“A BT partnership with Crimestoppers offers up to £1,000 reward for information leading to arrests and subsequent successful convictions. People can call anonymously and free on 0800 555 111.”

A TalkTalk spokesperson added: “We are working with BT Openreach to restore the service as quickly as possible.

“We are keeping all customers updated on the progress through our website, online service centre and social media.”