Vandals left homes in County Down without electricity

On Friday night, youths swinging on a wire which was securing a pole in Clandeboye Place in Bangor caused overhead lines to clash.

Voltage fluctuations damaged appliances in homes and an electricity line which was brought down damaged a car.

Northern Ireland Electricity said vandals risked electrocution when they damaged or interfered with equipment.

Valerie Curran of NIE said electrical equipment in the area had been repeatedly vandalised.

"I cannot stress strongly enough the risk of electrocution that vandals take when they maliciously damage or interfere with any type of electricity equipment," she said.

"These actions affect the whole community, especially those who are in a more vulnerable position and dependent upon electricity for their well-being.

"Vandals who maliciously damage or interfere with electricity equipment not only cause disruption to the power supply in their area, they also risk electrocution and put other members of the public in danger."

The company said it had been in contact with both the police and local representatives about the problem.

"We would appeal to the local community to be extra vigilant and report any incidents to the police or contact NIE on 08457 643 643," Ms Curran said.

Resident Tayna Leeder said some people had lost everything in their homes.

"The amazing thing was that no-one was actually killed or injured," she said.

Colin Bunting, who also lives in Clandeboye Place, said he lost hundreds of pounds worth of electrical equipment.

"I lost everything in my home - my TV, video, DVD player, fridge freezer, my kettle," he said.

"I have lost everything and I just haven't got the money to replace these things."