Warning gas scam could put up to 200 homes at risk of explosion

More than 200 homes across the greater Dublin area could be at risk of a gas explosion after an unauthorised workman was hired by householders to tamper with their gas meters.

Gardaí yesterday issued an urgent public safety appeal to anyone who may have hired the man to carry out work to bypass their meter to come forward to have the safety of their supplies checked.

They warned affected householders that they risked the possibility of a real tragedy, including the potential loss of life, if remedial work was not carried out.