A cracker-style crime-buster has been recruited by cops to help snare a crazed vandal wreaking havoc and putting lives at risk on Midland railways. In seven devastating incidents across the region, electrical wires controlling the entire network were slashed and set on fire. More than 1,000 trains were disrupted and rail insiders fear passengers could be killed if the saboteur is not caught soon. Detectives suspect a deranged former rail worker could be responsible because only an insider with expert knowledge could disable technical equipment so effectively. Trains affected since the attacks began on June 14 include those running into Birmingham New Street from London, Leicester, Derby and Bristol. Hundreds of thousands of passengers have been left stranded after their trains were cancelled. Now Network Rail has offered one of its biggest ever rewards - £25,000 - to catch the culprit before tragedy strikes. A source said: "We're horrified. Each attack cripples the network immediately. If it wasn't for a fail-safe system, trains would crash." A massive probe involving a 30-strong team of detectives is under way. And just like Robbie Coltrane's character Fitz in the TV series Cracker, psychological profilers have been called in. The experts are drawing up an assessment of the culprit cops believe is responsible for the chilling attacks on boxes close to stations including Kingsbury, near Tamworth; Coleshill; and Bickenhill near Birmingham International. They are also probing whether a highly-organised ring of vandals could be behind the incidents. It is believed that cops have asked rail bosses to supply the names of any possible suspects, including ex-workers. A source close to the inquiry said: "They're looking at all sorts of things, including disgruntled former workers and current workers with a grievance. "This person could have a grudge against Network Rail. In every instance it's their equipment that has been damaged. "The vandal clearly wants Network Rail to lose a lot of money. The company has made a lot of staff redundant over the past year or so, and the possibility of someone trying to take revenge cannot be discounted." Birmingham University rail expert Alan Stirling said that whoever was responsible appeared to know exactly what he or she was doing. "The location boxes contain wires that control the entire network," he said. "If they're cut, the network shuts down. Signallers do not know where trains are. "The potential consequences are enormous. A fail-safe mechanism kicks in to take over the control of trains. One can then only hope that the system can do its job properly." Detective Superintendent Mark Newton, who is leading the inquiry, said: "These attacks are very serious. They have caused widespread disruption across the rail network and cost the industry millions of pounds. "We are urgently seeking the public's help in catching whoever is responsible and would appeal to anyone with any information that may help to get in touch immediately." A spokesman for Network Rail said: "Acts of vandalism on the railway cause delays and disruption for both passengers and the train companies. "Vandalism uses up valuable resources which Network Rail would rather channel into our continued efforts to improve the railway. "We urge anyone with information to contact the British Transport Police." * If you can help stop the saboteur, ring the force's freephone number 0800 405040. | 
