AN underground oxygen pipe at a hospital may have been damaged by would-be metal thieves, police said today.
The damage was uncovered as police investigated the attempted theft of metal and cable from the Royal Bolton Hospital.
Oxygen supplies have continued as normal to patients, while two men have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and bailed.
Superintendent Steve Nibloe, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "What this incident does show is just how potentially dangerous the theft of metal can be. It is a problem that Greater Manchester Police treats as a priority and the force has launched Operation Alloy to target those involved in stealing metal and we have seen a significant reduction in the number of such thefts."
Gary Raphael, deputy chief executive at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said the trust was working closely with the police on the matter.
He said: "We've taken measures to ensure no other parts of the pipe supplying oxygen to the hospital have been damaged and oxygen supplies to patients have continued as normal. Investigations are ongoing."
Anyone with information should contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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