House filled up with gas after copper pipe stolen

Metal thieves stole a copper pipe from the home of a retired Staffordshire couple while they were inside, causing the house to fill up with gas.

Shirley and Donald Clark came close to disaster following the theft, with 73-year-old Shirley fearing "the whole street could have gone up". They have now warned other residents to be on their guard.

The pair were at home in Cheslyn Hay when they heard loud banging coming from the side of the house.

Thieves had stripped the the copper gas supply pipe which had been installed in 2007. Mrs Clark switched off the meter after hearing a loud hissing noise.

"We had the gas oven on at the time – I opened the door to turn it off and it was hissing," she said.

"The smell was horrendous and we had to open all the windows in the house to get rid of it.

"If it had happened at night or when we were on holiday or even if someone walking past had lit a cigarette goodness knows what would have happened."

Police were called to the scene on March 14 and the gas company was also called to make sure the home was safe for Mr Clark, aged 75, and his wife as well as other residents in the street.

Sarah Davidson, spokeswoman for Staffordshire police, said: "An officer attended the scene and found that gas piping had been stolen.

"Staffordshire Police works alongside colleagues from The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and the local authorities to target those involved in carrying of scrap metal to ensure they are operating legally. They also pay regular visits to scrap yards to offer advice and encourage them to report suspicious visitors."