'Gun of significant velocity' used to destroy glass at Horndean Parish Council office in 'appalling' attack
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The local authority said it has CCTV footage from the scene
Vandals used a 'gun of significant velocity' to destroy several panes of glass at a council building in an ‘appalling’ attack.
The Horndean Parish Council office at Jubilee Hall, Church Lane, was targeted by thugs earlier this week, the local authority said in a statement on Facebook. Extensive damage was discovered on the morning of July 6.
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Deputy Clerk Sarah Guy said the four main glass panels on the office reception area were “smashed”, alongside two panels on the Jubilee Hall main doors. “We have CCTV footage showing a vehicle entering the car park and two individuals active outside the entry way where the glass was smashed,” she added.
“It’s clear from the footage and metal pellets collected from the area, that some sort of gun of significant velocity was used in the attack.” Chair of the Horndean Parish Council, Councillor Andrew Redding, said the cost of the incident will end up coming out of the residents’ pockets, something he describes as “heart-breaking”.
“The nature of this attack is absolutely appalling as it is significant criminal activity, well beyond that of anti-social behaviour, carried out with a weapon or weapons that clearly had the capability to wound or even kill, regardless of the huge amount of damage caused to a building,” he added.
“As a Council we work really hard to give value for money and it makes me furious that the criminal behaviour of a few will affect hardworking families. The attack took place in the early hours of Monday morning. When the England football team were busy being heroes in Mexico, a couple of local individuals thought that turning to crime would be a better use of their time. We are working closely with the police on apprehending the suspects but I feel sure that someone knows who did this.”
Anyone with information is advised to contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have been approached for further details.