SCENE OF THE CRIME: Dave Auburn and Neil Farmer inspect the kitchen where thieves stole the boiler flue
TOXIC fumes were pumped into a community centre where a pre-school meets after thieves scaled on to a roof and stole the kitchen boiler flue as well as roof lead seals.
Council chiefs said the thefts could have caused a tragedy and thieves could have found themselves facing a manslaughter charge.
Children arriving for Heatherlands Hopscotch Pre-school in Ferndown were sent home again after staff noticed the building was unusually warm and a member of staff who went into the kitchen found she was having problems breathing.
They opened all the doors and called the centre's assistant manager and building owner East Dorset District Council.
The overnight theft of the flue meant that when the boiler switched itself on this morning, toxic fumes normally dispersed into the air were instead pumped into Heatherlands Community Centre.
Pre-school team leader Ruth Hutton said they initially thought it might be something to do with the foyer's refurbishment, but quickly realised there was a problem.
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"One of the girls was setting up in the kitchen. It was affecting her. Her throat was drying up. She noticed what the problem was," she said.
She added: "The member of staff is fine. We cleared the air and all got outside. It was pretty obvious that something was wrong because it was so warm."
She said that around 15 children, aged three and four, arriving with their parents and guardians had to be sent away.
Age Concern normally meets at the centre on a Thursday, but they were not at the centre yesterday.
Neil Farmer, head of community services at East Dorset District Council said: "This is probably the most stupid act of vandalism the council has ever witnessed.
"If it wasn't for the quick thinking of the council and pre-school's staff this could have resulted in a tragic incident.
"I would like to think that the culprits didn't have manslaughter on their minds when they stole the flue.
"However, that's what it could have resulted in, and all for the sake of a few pounds worth of scrap metal."
Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police.
Posted by: mdale, Alderholt on 8:35am Mon 19 May 08
I'm sure Mr Farmer is correct to say that the thieves didn't have manslaughter in mind when they stole the flue but I hope the judge considers that possibilty when they catch those responsible.
I'm sure Mr Farmer is correct to say that the thieves didn't have manslaughter in mind when they stole the flue but I hope the judge considers that possibilty when they catch those responsible.
Posted by: carlyd, bournemouth on 4:14pm Mon 19 May 08
[quote][bold]E.L.M.[/bold] wrote:
The Police Wont have to look far for the culprits on that estate.[/quote] Not far to look.....but so many to choose from!!!!
E.L.M. wrote:
The Police Wont have to look far for the culprits on that estate.
Not far to look.....but so many to choose from!!!!
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