Live electricity poles have been cut down in Cookstown, Co Tyrone.

The incident happened in the Kildress Road area over the weekend.

NIE Networks has called on rural communities to be vigilant.

Paul Irving, NIE Networks' Security Manager, said: "These incidents are disruptive for local residents whose electricity supplies are cut off but more importantly extremely dangerous both for the perpetrators and for the local community who may unwittingly come across damaged equipment.

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"We are working closely with the PSNI and our utility colleagues to try and prevent these incidents but we would also urge the local community to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity around the electricity network.

"NIE Networks will be part of the Joint Utility Group presenting evidence to the Assembly's Environment Committee next week on a proposed bill to tighten legislation for scrap metal dealers and reduce the risks of metal theft."

(CD/MH)