Phone lines cut by metal thieves

Many residents and businesses had their internet access cut as well

Hundreds of homes and businesses in a Berkshire town had their phone services cut off after thieves stole 220yds (200m) of underground cable.

The thieves used two manhole covers to access the copper cable, in St Mark's Road, Maidenhead, which was cut and dragged out last Tuesday.

The value of copper has trebled in five years and police said there has been a sharp increase in metal thefts.

Most of the 600 phone lines have now been reconnected, BT said.

In a statement, BT said: "A substantial amount of cabling was stolen and as a result local residents and businesses' phone and internet services have been severely affected.

"Engineers have been working continuously since this incident occurred to minimise disruption to customers.

"Due to the nature of the damage to the cable the restoration work is labour intensive and is taking time.

"Our engineers will continue to work in 24 hour shifts until it is completed.

"We are working closely with the police regarding this attack."