VANDALS caused a power cut to more than 2,000 homes last week after throwing tree branches onto power lines.

Residents were put at risk of harm when the high voltage lines were damaged near to the Farrers Arms, Roddymoor, Crook,

Police are appealing for witnesses to the damage which left 2,485 homes without power on Thursday (October 23).

Acting Sergeant Mike Hall of Crook Neighbourhood Police team, said: “The high voltages running through these cables are strong enough to arc through several feet of air and electrocute anyone nearby.

“This not only poses a risk to the people committing these offences, but also puts the lives in danger of people who are walking nearby and the engineers who have to deal with the problem.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Crook Neighbourhood Police team on 101.