Police have highlighted the dangers of criminal damage after vandals gained access to the top of the viaduct in Shepton Mallet, removed sections of stone and threw them onto polytunnels below.

Police are warning that such thoughtless and needless behaviour can lead to serious injury or even death - and said that staff had been inside the structures only a short time earlier.

"If struck by one of these blocks we would undoubtedly be looking for suspects responsible for a death," a police spokesperson said. "The fact we aren't is down to pure luck."

Avon and Somerset Police are now appealing for information about the incident and urging parents, guardians, and carers to speak to their children and young adults to ensure they do not get involved in such dangerous behaviour.

CCTV footage is being reviewed, and anyone with information about the vandalism is urged to contact the police via their website or by calling 101. The incident has been logged with the crime reference number 5223103208.

Police are calling on the public to help them identify the individuals responsible for this reckless act and to come forward with any information they may have.