A MANHUNT has been launched by police for thieves who stole £50,000 worth of copper cabling from Swindon Railway Station last month.

Officers from the British Transport Police hope that newly-released CCTV images will encourage witnesses to come forward to help them identify the two men involved in the incident, which happened between 10.30pm and 11.30pm on Wednesday, March 1.

The CCTV footage shows the suspects, who appear to be wearing ski masks, rolling the cable in its drum down an embankment.

The drum then smashed into fencing between Corporation Street and the train station depot, causing considerable damage.

It is thought machinery was then used to lift the cabling over the fence before being driven away.

Detective Constable Matt Grieve said: “While the men have covered their faces, CCTV footage from the area captures one of the suspects looking directly at the camera, giving us a clear view of his eyes.

“We are hoping this footage might jog someone’s memory.

"Do you recognise this man or were you in the area on the evening of the theft and did you see anything suspicious?

“I would like remind people cable theft is not a victimless crime; the cost to replace the cabling and repair the damage will undoubtedly be passed back to passengers in some form.

“If you have any information which might help our investigation, please get in touch.”

Anyone with info is asked to call BTP on 0800 405040 or text them on 61016 reference 149 of 02/03/17.

Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.