Four men have been arrested in connection with an attempted electrical cable theft that plunged the accident and emergency department at Margate’s QEQM Hospital into darkness last night (February 20).
The arrests were made by West Midlands Police and it is understood the four will be brought back to the county by Kent Police officers tomorrow.
The power outage, caused when the power cables were cut during a suspected theft attempt, occurred at around 7pm and was not restored until just before 11pm.
Ambulances had to divert to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford as the department was unable to accept any more patients. Doctors and nurses were reduced to working by torchlight and mobile phone lights.
Kent Fire and Rescue was brought in to provide emergency flood lighting. Other areas of the hospital were unaffected.
Police investigation
Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are investigating the incident. A spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called at 9.08pm to the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital following reports the site’s power lines had been damaged.
“Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are investigating the incident and appealing for anyone with information about the damage to come forward and assist them with their enquiries.”
Witnesses should call 01843 222289 quoting reference 20-1742 or the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.
Good! … Let’s hope the Police can get sufficient evidence to get these people to court, on charges, that reflect the seriousness of endangering the lives of hospital patients….
Well said Liam Coyle let’s hope so.
What’s it coming to when electricity cables are being stolen. It’s almost a shame they wern’t electrocuted and ended up in the hospital with no electricity to help them, waiting for their turn.
I was in QEQM when the electricity went off. The staff dealt with it amazingly,ensuring patients care could continue even in the difficult circumstances. What a selfish reckless act of stupidity