POLICE are investigating reports of telephone jointing boxes being damaged in Hartlebury and Rock.

Two telephone jointing boxes in the Crown Lane area, near Waresley Park, and Hartlebury Trading Estate were damaged between Friday, April 22, and Monday, April 25, with a third box also damaged in Rock.

The damage was initially thought to be due to an electrical fault, but it is now suspected that the boxes have been deliberately damaged and set alight in each case.

Telephone lines in the three areas have been damaged as a consequence, affecting local homes and businesses whilst repairs - which may take up to 48 hours still - are completed.

West Mercia Police are asking members of the public to be mindful of those who may not have access to a mobile phone or to the internet.

Those with friends or relatives in the areas, particularly those who are elderly, are asked to consider ways in which they could help, possibly by loaning an old mobile phone or by visiting more regularly until telephone lines have been repaired.

Anyone who witnessed any suspicious incidents relating to the damage of the jointing boxes, are asked to call officers on 101 quoting incident reference number 112S of April 25.