COMMUTERS in Central Fife are facing travel disruption this afternoon after the theft of cables caused a signalling fault between Inverkeithing and North Queensferry.

A signalling problem was first discovered this morning and led to services between Edinburgh and Glenrothes, via both Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, being either revised or cancelled.

Train operator Scotrail had initially suggested power problems had caused the issue, but later updated customers and said: "Our staff have identified that the cause of the signalling fault is due to the theft of signalling cables.

"It is going to take our staff a few hours to effect repairs and we will continue to keep you up to date on their progress."

Network Rail have confirmed that they expect disruption to last until around 7pm, and that a reduced service will run between Edinburgh and Cowdenbeath.

They have also confirmed that trains to Aberdeen and Dundee will be delayed or revised, while trains between Edinburgh and Glenrothes via Dalgety Bay and Aberdour will be revised or cancelled.

Virgin Trains services between Edinburgh and Aberdeen will be diverted via Stirling, while Network Rail have advised there is limited replacement road transport between Perth, Inverkeithing, Dunfermline and Haymarket.