A WOMAN has complained after a 999 operator asked her to investigate an explosion.

In the early hours of Sunday, January 25 residents of Parkside in Darlington were woken up by a “loud explosion”.

One resident’s van was left smoking from the engine after something – possibly a firework – was lit under its grill, leaving the vehicle damaged.

A neighbour said police took almost two hours to respond to the incident and that she was asked to check the vehicle herself by the 999 operator who took her call.

She said: “We called the emergency line and they said we were a priority and told us not to inform the victims.

“The police didn’t show up until almost two hours later – it’s disgusting that the response was so long.

“They were asking us to check the vehicle as if we were emergency services or the police.

“From our own inspection there was evidence of an explosive being put near the radiator and all four tyres were stabbed but the police didn’t seem interested in taking photos or preserving the scene – just awful.”

Inspector Mick Button, of Darlington Police, said the incident had not been classed as a priority and had been responded to within the 72 hour target.

He said: “I can’t comment on what was said to the lady on the phone as when you ring 999 you don’t speak to police staff.

“I can put into perspective what happened to the vehicle – four tyres had the air let out and there is a very minor amount of damage to the front grill which appears to have been from a firework.”

Anyone with information is asked to call non-emergency number 101.