British Transport Police arrested two men in connection with reports of a cable theft in Ruislip yesterday afternoon (Tuesday).

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokeswoman said: "BTP officers were called to the line close to Ruislip Gardens London Underground station on Tuesday, 10 December after reports of a cable theft.

"The incident was reported at 2.40pm.

"Two men, aged 40 and 30, have been arrested in connection with the incident and remain in police custody."

According to the BTP, in the past few years passengers have experienced thousands of hours of delays as a direct result of cable theft.

Network Rail has estimated cable theft can cost the industry up to £16million pounds every year.

Since 2006 the price of copper – the metal inside cables widely used by the rail industry – has soared, which lead to a sharp increase in reported cable thefts.

BTP says cable theft offences on the railway fell by 56 per cent in the last financial year.