Phoney gas men attack teenager

Northern Gas Networks, the area’s gas pipeline owner, issued the warning after learning of a violent gang operating as bogus gas engineers.

The 19-year-old man was recently targeted at his home in Grange Moor, Huddersfield, by two male doorstep callers, who tried to get inside the property by claiming to be from the gas board.

When he challenged them, the men forced their way inside, tied him up and hit him in the face.

Last night Northern Gas said its engineers visited hundreds of homes across the north of England each week, to carry out important safety checks, but they all carry official identity cards and wear a branded uniform.

Dave Hutchison, head of health and safety at Northern Gas said: “Never be afraid to ask to see ID and remember that a real utility worker will be more than happy to show it to you.”

He said it was very rare for a gas engineer to call without an appointment and said bogus callers often tried to fob people off when they tried to ask people for ID.