'Major disruption' as Leeds residents left without internet after arson attack on street cabinet

The cabinet was set on fire just before 6pm on Monday (May 11), destroying copper telephone and broadband cables.

Openreach said its engineers were working as quickly as possible to restore services to affected customers.

Openreach, whose parent company is BT, is offering a £1,000 reward in partnership with Crimestopers for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Gemma Gibbs, Crimestoppers regional manager for Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “This reckless incident has caused major disruption to essential services and can even have an impact on local life-saving emergency care being received.

"Happening at a time when many are already isolated in their homes during this global Covid-19 pandemic makes this an especially heartless and hard to comprehend crime.

“This is why we are urging anyone who may know who is behind this arson attack to come forward.

"We know that some people feel unable to speak directly to the authorities, which is why our charity is here, to support those with information on crime.

"We guarantee that you will stay 100 per cent anonymous.

"Please do the right thing so that we can prevent more communities from being even more isolated without essential communications during this time of lockdown.”

Bernie Auguste, director of security services for Openreach, said: “This incident has severely impacted the day-to-day lives of people across Hunslet especially during this difficult time where people are staying inside because of coronavirus and are very reliant on their telephone and broadband to communicate with friend’s family and loved ones.

“We are working with West Yorkshire Police to catch those who are responsible and have deployed additional security enhancements in the area, but we also need your help.

"Please be vigilant and if you saw anything suspicious on or around the time of the incident report it.

"If you prefer not to speak directly to police, then please contact the charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously.”

Crimestoppers can be contacted via their website Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling their 24/7 freephone line 0800 555 111.