Four thieves were caught red-handed attempting to take hundreds of meters of copper cabling from underground sewer ducts, police said.

They tried to take 220-metres of copper cabling from underground BT and sewer ducts, in Ewell, estimated to be worth around £20,000, sometime between 10pm on February 23 and 1.40am the following morning.

A van used during the action, at the junction with Bluegates and London Road, was seen on CCTV at a petrol station in the area at around 12.55am and was later seen parked at the junction.

Officers believe four criminals worked together to access a BT and sewer manhole, using industrial cutting equipment to remove lengths of encased copper wiring, used for communication lines to residential properties and business, from underground and cut them into transportable 8ft pieces which were placed them by a white Transit van.

The van driver is described as a white man, with black hair and he was wearing a blue hooded Nike top.

The thieves fled moments before police arrived abandoning the van and cable. Two of the suspects were seen running away from London Road into Bluegates. The other two fled in different directions, one towards Ewell and the other towards Cheam.

Detectives have now released images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the attempted theft.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Lewis Flanagan said: “Metal theft is a real concern to us and copper cabling is seen as an attractive and expensive commodity for thieves. However, anyone who steals metal could face up to five years behind bars.

“On this occasion the quick actions of the police was able to foil the suspects attempt to get away with the cable, however they have caused thousands of pounds of damage and inconvenience to lots of residents who have had their telephone services cut.

“We believe that the offenders could have a good knowledge of electrical or heavy duty cabling experience. It would have taken a long time to cut all the copper cables possibly four to five hours, on a fairly busy junction of London Road. Anyone that was in the area at around 7pm onwards and saw anything suspicious, we would urge to come forward with their information.”

Anyone with information regarding the attempted theft should contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.