Police radio mast pulled off base

Monday, March 17, 2003

A controversial emergency communications mast in a Cornwall village has been vandalised.

Police said a rope was attached to the mast in Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth, and it was then pulled over.

The incident was described as a "deliberate act" and police said the person responsible even unscrewed bolts before dragging it off its base.

Masts are being put up across Devon and Cornwall as part of the force's new digital Airwave radio system.

Health concerns

The broken mast is now lying useless in a field at Treworval Farm.

It is believed that the vandalism took place between 2100 and 2200 GMT on Wednesday.

The official action group opposing the mast in Mawnan Smith condemned the destruction, saying it did not condone such behaviour.

Protestors against the Tetra masts claim they could pose a danger to people's health.

Police have promised continual health checks will be part of a controversial radio system which comes into operation in Devon and Cornwall in April.