BANG OUT OF ORDER

Firework attack on electricity workers at substation

TWO engineers were attacked with fireworks as they tried to repair a fault on the electricity network.

The pair were working at a substation when lit fireworks were thrown at them from the window of a passing van.

The engineers, from ScottishPower’s distribution arm SP Energy Networks, were attacked in Greenock as they worked on an underground fault on the electricity network. They were unhurt.

Area district manager Graham Campbell said: “No one should face the dangers of lit fireworks when carrying out their daily duties, never mind when attempting to repair the electricity network in our communities.

“Imagine if one of these explosives had landed in our excavated site or hit a live power cable. The consequences for our two engineers or those nearby just don’t bear thinking about.”

The fireworks were thrown at the Prospecthill Court substation at about 6pm on Sunday.

Campbell added: “Given the time of day, there could have been children playing nearby. It’s staggering anyone could risk the lives of others in this way.

“We would encourage anyone who has any information on those responsible to come forward.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service group manager Mark Gallacher said: “This mindless act really does defy belief.

“It was irresponsible and reckless and had the potential to threaten the safety of the surrounding community.

“The people responsible are very lucky that there was no fire or injury to either themselves or the engineers.”

A police spokeswoman added: “This type of behaviour will not be tolerated. Police inquiries into the incident are ongoing.”