Tyne and Wear Metro hit by second cable theft in 24 hours

Metro trains are connected to overhead power lines

Train services in part of the North East were cancelled when were cables stolen overnight - the second such theft in 24 hours.

The Tyne and Wear Metro was suspended between Monkseaton and South Gosforth after 130m of cable were removed between Benton and Palmersville.

Metro operator Nexus said the "organised crime" was "inflicting misery on our customers".

It previously announced a £1,000 cash reward following similar thefts.

A replacement bus service was provided until trains were restored at 10:46 GMT.

A replacement bus service is running

On Tuesday, the service was suspended between Pelaw and South Shields after cables were taken.

Nexus said: "The victims of this crime are ordinary, decent, people trying to get to work, to school and to vital health appointments," a spokesperson said

"Northumbria Police are leading the hunt to find the people guilty of these crimes and we are supporting that with extra night security teams, additional CCTV and patrols by our own employees."

It went on to add that "someone knows who is behind these crimes" and urged them to come forward.

Last month, transport bosses offered a £1,000 reward after services were disrupted for several hours at a time.

Trains were unable to run on four separate days after the theft, and attempted theft, of line side cables.

At the time, Nexus said overnight security patrols had been "stepped up".

An investigation was launched by Northumbria Police.

A force spokesperson said: "This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and officers are continuing to carry out regular checks across the system alongside Nexus."

Nexus customer services director Huw Lewis previously described how suspected thieves were risking their lives to get onto the track to steal equipment.