TUBE users in Redbridge were hit with delays yesterday morning after thieves stole cabling.
The Central Line was suspended from the start of service until 7.50am between Woodford and Leytonstone and Grange Hill and Leytonstone.
There were also signalling problems.
The Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said the tracks were left vulnerable because of a cut in inspections.
A TfL spokesman said: “We can confirm there was a cable theft at Fairlop.
“The train service resumed across the entire line from 7.50am.
“Staff are rostered to work at all tube stations at all times the service is running and there has been no change to the frequency of track inspections in this area, so the RMT claims are simply untrue.
“Regular inspections are carried out several times a week, supported by our extensive CCTV network, and London Underground works closely with the British Transport Police (BTP) to tackle this issue.”
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