POLICE have smashed an organised gang believed to be responsible for a series of high-value metal thefts on the rail network.

British Transport Police conducted co-ordinated dawn raids yesterday as part of Operation Ariel.

Five homes thought to be linked to the gang — which police believe is led by a Bolton man — were raided yesterday.

Officers are also investigating the possibility the gang was using Bolton haulage firms to transport the stolen metal.

Raids in Kearsley and Lower Kersal, Salford, were launched after detectives gathered intelligence on an organised group which they believed was recruiting former railway employees.

Police estimate the gang, which has been operating throughout the North West, has made between £40,000 and £50,000 by selling the stolen metal over the past six months.

Detective Inspector Andrea Rainey said: “This is a very sophisticated crime group in the way its goes about organising, stealing and selling the metal.”

It is believed the gang uses railway identification cards and official paperwork, wears railway clothing and is aware of railway procedures.

Gang members pose as genuine rail workers on the premise that they are disposing of scrap rail.

Yesterday, officers wearing riot gear executed search warrants at a house in Eames Avenue, Kearsley, two houses in Grindon Avenue and two houses in South Radford Street, Salford. A small cannabis farm was also found in one of the houses in Grindon Avenue.

Police seized paperwork, railway uniforms and plant equipment. They arrested four men, aged 44, 43, 41 and 39 on suspicion of theft.

Anyone with information is asked to call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.