A TEAM of soldiers who had just landed from Afghanistan were called back to duty immediately when they were on hand to make a live power cable safe in Lechlade town centre.

The soldiers, from 600 Signal Troop based in Corsham, were on their way back to base through Lechlade after landing at Brize Norton when they were caught up in traffic chaos after the live power cable was knocked down.

Just minutes earlier a lorry, believed to be carrying a fairground ride, had knocked down the cable and its pole, leaving behind a trail of mayhem and gridlock.

Traffic came to a total standstill as the road was impassable.

But among those caught up in the traffic jam was the team of soldiers.

They used their initiative and training to force the pole which had the cable attached, up off the road so that cars could safely pass by.

Power company Southern and Electric later reconnected the line.

The incident happened at 4.55pm last Thursday on the A361 Burford Road, near to the junction with Keble Close.

Eye witness David Pearce, who sent in these pictures, said: "Traffic was chaos, it was not moving at all.

"It was obviously too dangerous for people to get up close to the cable to attempt to move it.

"Luckily these soldiers arrived just as we needed them. They were brilliant and because of them commuters were able to drive away."

Police now want to speak to the lorry driver believed to be responsible for the incident.

They appealed for him to contact police on 0845 090 1234.