A REWARD has been offered to find the culprit of an attack on Southampton’s telecommunications network which left homes and businesses without power.

The incident happened at about 10.15am on Sunday at the building site where the Meridian television studios used to stand and Crimestoppers is offering a £1,000 reward.

Nearby homes and businesses were left without telephone and broadband services as a result of the malicious attack at the site in Summers Street, where 351 homes will be built.

Crimestoppers says the damage left them without power for a “prolonged time” with engineers having to carry out complex repairs to restore power.

Telecoms provider Openreach and Crimestoppers are now jointly operating a £1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the culprit.

Julia Hughes, South East Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: “The disruption this type of incident can cause a community can be unbelievably significant, and too often those responsible think they can get away with their actions.

“I’d ask anyone who knows who is responsible to contact us, safe in the knowledge you won’t have to give us any personal details – only the information on those who committed this senseless crime.”

Richard Ginnaw, from Openreach Security, said: “This attack on our network left a number of homes and businesses within the surrounding area without essential telephone and broadband services. Our engineers worked around the clock over the weekend to restore service.

“We are working closely with Hampshire Police to find the individuals responsible for this crime and ask that if you were in the area on Saturday and you noticed anyone acting suspicious between 10.00am and 10.30am in Summers Street, then please call Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org