THIEVES have put residents in danger by stealing part of a £35,000 flood defence from a Hampshire river.

Police officers and environment Agency officials have launched an investigation after the theft of a heavy grill screen that protects the community from flooding.

The metal screen stolen from Olive Road, Coxford, catches debris like tree trunks, shopping trolleys and rubbish to make sure the narrow section of the river flows freely and does not get clogged up.

Without the important structure, which cost £35,000 to fit, officials say residents are put at risk.

Police say the thieves must have used a van to make the getaway with the heavy structure which is about five metres long.

It is thought the metal flood defences are being stolen and sold because of the high price of scrap metal.

It cost the Environment Agency £1,000 to replace the top of the grill.

Dawn Theaker, area environment manager, said: “These highly irresponsible acts not only put people and the environment at risk but it takes money and staff resources to repair the damage.”

If anyone has any information call the Environment Agency’s Incident Hotline on 0800 807060 or Hampshire Police on 0845 045 45 45.