A GAS explosion in Weymouth was avoided in the early hours of Christmas Day after quick-thinking neighbours raised the alarm following a ‘mindless’ act of vandalism.

Police are investigating after yobs severed hoses connected to four large gas bottles in a storage area behind the Rock Hotel in Abbotsbury Road, causing pressurised gas to escape.

The alarm was raised by neighbours returning home from Midnight Mass who noticed suspicious activity in the pub storage area at Kellaway Terrace and smelt gas.

They alerted pub manager Richard Hunt who shut off the gas and called police.

Mr Hunt described the vandals as ‘mindless’ and says a ‘major incident’ was averted thanks to neighbours.

“This situation could have been a lot worse had the incident gone unnoticed – the escaping gas could have been ignited causing major damage to property around the Rock and could have injured or even killed someone in the vicinity,” he said.

Mr Hunt added: “We believe the intention was to sever all of the gas lines which would have resulted in an explosion at some point on Christmas Day morning.

“The brainless idiots responsible clearly did not think about or care about the ramifications of their actions and need to be apprehended and dealt with without delay.”

Mr Hunt believes the streetlights being turned off at just after midnight helped the vandals who were able to commit the crime under the cover of darkness. It is believed the damage was caused sometime between midnight at 1am.

Despite the damage, Mr Hunt and his team managed to ensure Christmas could be enjoyed at the pub for the 60 diners who had booked meals.

Dorset Police confirmed they were investigating a report of criminal damage and that inquiries were ongoing. No-one has been arrested.

Witnesses and anyone with information can call police in confidence on 101. The crime number is C/14/D/53720.