Copper theft sparks gas leak evacuation

POLICE are appealing for help in tracking down copper thieves who sparked a gas leak at the weekend

As we reported yesterday, more than two dozen residents were evacuated from flats in Littlemoor Lane, Oldham and the road cordoned off when thieves took copper piping feeding gas to an old boiler.

Police were called to a top-floor flat and found a strong smell of gas. Water was also leaking through the floor into flats below. Residents were allowed back about an hour later.

Supt Catherine Hankinson said: “Theft of metal isn’t a victimless crime — in fact it can put people’s lives in danger. Any gas leak has the potential to ignite. Had there been an explosion we could have been dealing with a very serious incident.

“That is why it is so important we find the culprits: the consequences of their actions, all for a few quid, could have been devastating.”

She appealed to anyone with information about the incident to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.