Play area shocker

BATTERIES found by a local resident

POLICE are investigating after batteries used to power electric fencing were found attached to railings at a children's play area in Shaw.

The shock news was revealed after a battery and an electric fence energiser were discovered by a resident in Moor Street Park.

It is believed the equipment was stolen from a local farm. The find sparked outrage on social media with several people describing it as "vile", "seriously stupid" and "disgraceful".

Some suggested young people had been responsible for attaching the battery to the park railings, close to Crompton Primary School, as a "prank".

Others raised questions about whether children playing in the park could have been put at risk by the equipment, which is used to convert power from a battery into pulses and push them down a fence line.

The pulses are of high voltage and low amperage, which makes them, like static electricity, safe but an unpleasant experience when touched and are traditionally used in farming to ensure animals do not escape from enclosures.

It is believed the incident could have meant anyone who touched the fence would be given a slight shock, however not enough to kill anyone.

Responding to the the GMP Royton and Shaw Facebook post, Jayne Fitton said: "There are some seriously stupid individuals out there."

Sharon Jones added: "OMG what is wrong with people."

Joanne Crutchley said: "Why would anyone want to hurt innocent children?"

Will Bryan said: "Not powerful enough to do any harm (I've been zapped hundreds of times off these, they are for animal fencing) but would frighten kids if they got a shock."

John Leach added: "Apart from a mild 'tingle' these batteries wired like as shown could do no harm to a person notwithstanding that batteries are hazardous waste and need to be disposed of correctly."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101.