Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is sending out urgent safety messages after vandals threw tree branches into high-voltage power lines in Gloucestershire.

Homes and businesses in the Lydbrooke area have experienced a number of power cuts in recent months after the branches were thrown over power lines, which carry 33,000 volts of electricity through local woodland.

Burned tree branches have been found on and around the power lines, and throwing them into the lines would have caused sparks and even flames when they came into contact with the high voltage electricity.

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A total of 939 customers were left without power for up to an hour during three incidents on 27 July, 24 August and 28 August.

As well as the inconvenience to customers, the vandals were targeting high voltage power cables which could have caused truly terrifying short circuits.

In most cases power was restored very quickly, but engineers are warning that tampering with the power network is extremely dangerous.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager with Central Networks, said: "The message is simple - power lines can kill, stay away from them.

"High voltage electricity can discharge from the cables when objects come into contact or even come near them. That power can travel and could leave someone nearby with serious burns. It could even kill them.

"Our job is to keep people's lights on and their homes warm. These stupid actions make that job even more difficult."

(CD/JM)