CAMBRIDGESHIRE homes were left without phone lines today after a length of BT cable was stolen from Buckworth Road in Alconbury Weston in the early hours.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE homes were left without phone lines today after a length of BT cable was stolen from Buckworth Road in Alconbury Weston in the early hours.

Now 24 hour police patrols have been set up in the villages of Alconbury, Alconbury Weston and Upton to provide reassurance and to discover which homes are without a line.

Police, who were called at 4.22am, are also liaising with doctors and a housing association to identify any vulnerable residents while BT works to restore phone lines.

Phone lines are expected to be restored on Saturday but residents should listen to local radio for updates.

Alconbury doctors' surgery is experiencing problems because of the theft.

Melanie Orugboh, practice manager at Alconbury and Brampton practices, “The telephone system at Alconbury Practice has been severely disrupted and we now have only one telephone line working.

“As a result we are also only able to access limited medical records at Brampton Surgery. Technicians are working to rectify the situation but it is likely to take several days.

“Patients should continue to ring the normal practice number but it may take longer than usual to get through.

“We are doing all we can to ensure a basic service is maintained.”

Detective Inspector Andy Gipp said: “As part of our patrols we are visiting streets where we know elderly or vulnerable residents live. The patrols will continue throughout the night - however family, friends and neighbours have a role to play here.

“If you have a family member or friend who is in a vulnerable position please look out for their welfare.

“As well as 24 hour patrols the mobile police station is at the Maypole Square in Alconbury so residents can speak to officers.”

No arrests have been made in connection with the theft.