Police are appealing for witnesses after criminal damage in Milton Hill.

A manhole cover in front of the Old Farm shop on Milton Hill was lifted and wiring was cut with a disc cutter, possibly in preparation for the wiring to be stolen and sold as scrap metal.

As a result, 500 metres of wiring has to be replaced.

The incident happened sometime between 11am and 3pm on Monday, May 10, but details were only releaed today.

PC Jon Bodinham said: “We believe that this may have been an attempted cable theft. Scrap metal can be quite valuable and I am appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

“This incident has taken place during the day on a busy road, so there is likely to be many witnesses to it.

“Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time? Perhaps they were dressed as workmen?” If you have any information about this incident, please call the 24-hour non-emergency number, 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.