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| Hampshire Constabulary |
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Police in the New Forest have expressed safety concerns following reports that glass insulators supporting power cables on electricity pylons have been damaged.
Regular inspections by the National Grid has revealed that pylons in a wooded area to the rear of the Old Mill Inn and Hardley Industrial Estate, Holbury, have had several glass insulators smashed in recent weeks, leaving high voltage power lines at risk.
While it is considered unlikely that anyone walking beneath the pylons is at risk or in danger, an unexpected 'flashover' could lead to the loss of power to thousands of households in the area. As the insulators are 60-80 feet above the ground, police believe that the damage is likely to have been caused deliberately by the use of a weapon.
Inspector John Kenna from Hythe police station said: “This is a regular occurrence and something which is almost certainly to have been caused deliberately.
What is important is that whoever is responsible, may be unaware of the potential dangers they are creating. If a weapon is being used, this could place the offenders at risk as well as innocent passers-by who could be hit from a stray missile.
The police are appealing for anyone living locally or visitors to the Old Mill Inn or Hardley Industrial Estate who may have seen something or knows who is responsible to contact them.
Information should be given by phoning Hythe police station on 0845 045 45 45 or on the anonymous Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111. |
