FISHING line tied across a road and pavement by young yobs in Weymouth could have caused horrific injuries, police said today.

Officers said it was thanks to a lollipop lady and a shop worker who spied the line and raised the alarm that a disaster was avoided.

Three boys aged about 11 or 12 on their way to school yesterday morning are being blamed and an investigation is under way to find them.

PC Paul Holman said line was left hanging at knee height across the Fiveways junction at Lanehouse.

Another piece was discovered tied between posts across the pavement in nearby Lynch Road - at about the height of a child.

PC Holman said he was shocked by the discovery and is appealing for information to find those responsible.

He said: "These kids might have thought they were having a bit of fun but this is no laughing matter.

"I'm appalled that young people would want to do this.

"If someone had walked into the line and injured themselves the offenders would be facing very serious charges.

"We have to put a stop to this right now."

PC Holman would like to thank a lollipop lady on patrol at Fiveways who noticed the line when it brushed against her leg and the manager of a local shop who discovered the second piece.

He said: "The shop manager saw the boys, who she thought were aged about 11 or 12, tying the line between posts in Lynch Road and went over and had a word with them but they ran off.

"Thanks to the actions of these two women the linewas not up very long. But I dread to think what would have happened if a child, or anyone else for that matter, had come into contact with the line. It would have been very hard to spot."

PC Holman said because of the age of those involved and the fact that no one was injured, his intention was to give the offenders strong words of advice in the presence of their parents.

Anyone with information can contact PC Holman in confidence on 01305 222222.