Vandalism causes potentially fatal gas leak in Market Drayton

Image on Food in Shropshire Street was broken into between about 6am and 2pm yesterday, when the offender or offenders caused damage to the pipes before making off, leaving both left leaking badly. Nothing was stolen.

Police today appealed for anyone who might have seen or heard any persons acting suspiciously in the area during the morning and early afternoon to contact them on 0300 333 3000 as a matter of urgency. CCTV from the town centre is also being checked.

Owner of Image on Food, Sarah Hopcroft said: "I can't believe those who entered our premises and cut the gas and water pipes didn't think through the implications of their actions.

"There are many properties nearby and shoppers in the area, lives could have been lost had the leaking gas ignited."

Police Constable Dave Timmins, who is investigating the incident, said if the leak had not been detected so quickly, the consequences could have been fatal.

“There are houses, flats and other businesses in the street and had the build-up of gas been accidentally ignited, even through the simple act of turning on a light switch, we could have been facing a serious explosion with potentially fatal consequences,” he said.

“Fortunately, someone in a neighbouring property smelt the gas and alerted the gas company, which quickly sent an engineer to repair the damage and stop the leak.

“The break-in happened during daylight or early morning and anyone who might have seen or heard anything suspicious during that time is urged to please contact police on 0300 333 3000.

“Entry was gained by smashing in a rear door to the premises which would likely have made quite a bit of noise.

“If you have information about who was responsible but do not want to be identified, please pass it on via the anonymous Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111, where a reward is sometimes offered.”