POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a village post box was blown up near Grange-over-Sands.

Officers were called to the scene in Meathop at around 10.45pm on Friday night.

A resident living nearby told The Westmorland Gazette the door of the box was blown 20ft by the blast.

The small post box was secured to a wooden post but has now been taped up by the Royal Mail.

A spokesman said the offender had used a small gas cylinder which had then been detonated in the post box, causing damage.

They said they were not aware of any other similar incidents but are investigating.

They appealed for people to contact PC 976 Helmsley at Kendal Police.

A Cumbria Police spokesman said it was "suspicious" and "unusual" but nothing appeared to have been taken and it was still understood to be a prank at this stage.

A spokeswoman for the Meathop Fell Caravan Club campsite said they had been unaware of any police activity or noise.

However, the nearby resident told the Gazette the attempt seemed to be  quite sophisticated.

* Do you live in Meathop and did you hear or see anything?

Get in touch with The Westmorland Gazette on 01539 710161 or email mike.addison@kendal.newsquest.co.uk