Frodsham teenager apologises for pulling chimneys off houses, causing deadly gas to build up inside homes

Jan 14 2010 by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle

A TEENAGER has apologised after his gang pulled the chimneys off houses in Frodsham, causing deadly gases to build up inside.

The 16-year-old, of Frodsham, was climbing on the roofs of the houses and kicking snow off when one of the yobs noticed a pipe and pulled it off to throw at the others.

The gang then went on a rampage, targeting eight homes on Ship Street, Riversdale and Clifton Crescent, causing carbon monoxide to build up in the houses and killing one resident’s pet birds.

After handing himself into the police, one of the gang, who has since been reprimanded by police, wanted to write a letter apologising for his foolish part in the idiotic actions.

It said: “I am ashamed by my actions and I am saddened by the hurt I have caused.

“I am deeply, deeply sorry for what I have done and if I have had known the consequences beforehand I would never have gone near the properties.

“I promise truly from the bottom of my heart that I will never do anything like this again.”

Last week Cheshire Constabulary published an appeal fearing the chimney flues had been stolen by thieves looking to sweep up the scrap metal.

Shelley Williams of the force said: “The central heating flue lining was pulled out of the chimneys, potentially causing deadly fumes to get into homes.

“No-one was harmed in the incidents, but one resident’s pet birds were killed by the fumes.”

Western Rural Neighbourhood Police Unit inspector Phil Hodgson said:

“This selfish and callous act has had a severe impact on these elderly residents, leaving them vulnerable not only to the bitter cold weather, but to potentially harmful gases.”