Irish firm ESB Networks has issued a warning to the public over the dangers of interfering with overhead wires and electricity poles.

The firm is aware of a number of incidences recently where a live conductor was cut and removed and electricity poles damaged by third parties.

In a statement the firm said: "We apologise to customers that may experience sudden and unexpected loss of supply due to these incidences; not only are the perpetrators of these crimes putting their lives at risk, they are also endangering the lives of members of the public by leaving potentially unsafe network after them and interrupting supply to critical services, such as hospitals.

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"It also causes significant the inconvenience caused to local residents while the repair works are carried out by ESB Network crews. We are actively working with the Gardaí to tackle this activity and are vigorously pursuing every feasible means of protecting the electricity network. The public have an important part to play in helping put a stop to this type of theft."

(CD/JP)