Boys sought after gas pipe damage

Two houses had gas pipes pulled away from walls

Vandals who caused a gas leak in Falkirk have been condemned as "reckless and dangerous" by police.

Officers have been trying to find three boys after pipes were pulled away from the walls of two houses.

The children were chased away from a gas box outside a home in Carron Road at about 2000 BST on Friday after the householder smelled gas.

Another house was targeted early on Saturday in the town's Farm Street, police said.

The white box had been wrenched away from the wall and some of the pipes were bent, but none were ruptured.

Central Scotland Police officers have been looking for three boys, aged between 11 and 15.

The consequences of their actions should not be underestimated Supt Gordon Samson

The force's area commander for Falkirk said someone could have been killed as a result of the vandalism.

Supt Gordon Samson said: "Pulling gas pipes away from walls is dangerous and reckless.

"Ultimately lives could be put at risk. The consequences of their actions should not be underestimated.

"We believe this could be down to youths. They may not realise the danger they are putting themselves in and those in the houses.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have information in relation to these incidents. Those responsible will be dealt with swiftly and robustly."