County's first ever fixed speed camera is 'chopped down by vandals' just hours after it was set to be switched on

By TEDDIE BARRETT

A county's first fixed speed camera has been knocked down by suspected vandals in a late-night attack.

Police are investigating after the device on the A64 in Sherburn, North Yorkshire, was destroyed overnight - just hours after it was due to be switched on.

The camera was due to enforce the 30mph limit from today but it was knocked down at around 2.20am.

North Yorkshire County Council's Highways workers who were called to the scene in the early hours, found the pole lying on the pavement and electricity cabled exposed.

Sean Flood who was one of the first on the scene said: 'I got there and it was flat, I got there at 3am. At half past two it had been knocked over.

'It was a street light, which is why I was called out, but there's a speed camera attached to it.'

The 60-year-old added: 'It was hit twice, reversed into twice.'

North Yorkshire Police has launched an investigation into the suspected vandalism.

Police are investigating after the device on the A64 in Sherburn, North Yorkshire, was destroyed overnight - just hours after it was due to be switched on

The camera was due to enforce the 30mph limit from today but it was knocked down at around 2.20am

A police officer pictured with the fixed speed camera before it was knocked down in the village of Sherburn

The force said: 'We believe the damage was deliberate rather than accidental and an investigation is ongoing.

'It is disappointing to see that something intended to help keep the village safe and protect members of the public has been targeted by vandals.

'Anyone who has any information about those responsible including anyone who witnessed it or has footage from a dashcam or doorbell camera is asked to get in touch.'

It added that work was now ongoing to reinstall the camera at an alternative site in the village.

The device was part of a three-month trial- with the council previously using just mobile ones.

North Yorkshire Police already used mobile cameras to enforce speed limits, this camera had been the first permanent one in the county.