Investigations into electrical problems which have closed key Angus Council offices in Forfar have taken a sinister twist after police were called into the inquiry.
Detectives have confirmed they are involved in probing what were initially believed to be a number of unexplained electrical faults at County Buildings in Market Street. The possibility of foul play has now sparked the police inquiry specifically relating to incidents in April, around which time there were reports of sockets melting on walls at the premises.
Initial police and fire investigations have established that the causes of those incidents are suspicious. As a result a CID investigation is now running in tandem with the council’s own efforts to resolve electrical difficulties which have affected the offices since February, leading ultimately to the closure of County Buildings and the movement of staff a number of weeks ago.
Detective Inspector Ally Waghorn is leading the investigation and said, “Although the damage identified is relatively minor and no one has been injured as a consequence of these incidents, the potential for harm and indeed significant damage is clear. I would appeal to anyone who can assist us with our inquiries to get in touch with us.”
Police said that during the course of their investigation officers will be speaking with staff and visitors to the council building.
“At the same time we would appeal to anyone who has information useful to inquiries to call them on 0300 111 2222, or speak to any officer,” a spokesman said. “Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
On Friday night the council issued a brief statement confirming the police involvement in the matter and emphasising the specific nature of the inquiry.Formal police investigation”Other than to confirm that Angus Council is assisting Tayside Police, the council is unable to comment further as the matter is the subject of a formal police investigation,” a spokesman said. “The council stresses that work to rectify the original electrical supply problem at County Buildings continues.”
Elected members are understood to have been briefed on the County Buildings investigation in private at the conclusion of the full council meeting in Forfar on Thursday evening. Councillors spoken to by The Courier on Friday said they had been advised not to comment in light of the ongoing criminal investigation.
County Buildings is home to almost 200 council staff in departments including planning and transport and environmental and consumer protection.
Electrical problems first emerged in February, with the disruption of emails to the planning service. The council experienced significant difficulties, resulting in the loss of numerous emails and the shutting down of its website.
In March officers ordered a weekend shutdown of the authority’s electronic communications hub in a bid to track down the source of the power supply problems. The difficulties also resulted in the fire alarm repeatedly activating at County Buildings, leading to the evacuation of staff.
On April 15 the council took the decision to close County Buildings and relocate staff. At that time there were reports that sockets on the wall had caught fire and began to melt in front of staff and an immediate decision was taken to close the premises on health and safety grounds.