More than a thousand people are thought to be without phone or internet connections after thieves made off with copper wiring.

BT technicians are on the scene in Preston Park attempting to restore the connections.

Up to 7000 lines are thought to have been affected and workman hope to have at least 1200 back up today.

According to residents, areas within Withdean, Westdean and Hove are also affected.

BT are urging people to come forward having posted fliers through doors in the affected areas offering a £1,000 reward for anyone with information that leads to a conviction.

There was a wave of attacks on BT lines in September last year with thieves ripping out internet and phone cables to the cost of thousands of households and businesses.

BT has teamed up with Crimestoppers and Smartwater to attempt to deal with the theft and vandalism of phone lines.

Certain parts of the cabling system are marked with forensic tags in an to attempt to foil thieves.

Anyone with information about the theft should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.