A recent spate of thefts and vandalism on Hertfordshire's roads is endangering the lives of people across the county.

Safety railings on bridges and metal gully covers have been removed from locations all over Hertfordshire.

More than 200 gully covers have been stolen since the start of the year, and safety railings on two footbridges have been removed in recent weeks.

The latest incident involved 30 panels of aluminium fencing being taken from a footbridge crossing the busy A414 at London Colney, which put the lives of local school children, who use the bridge daily, at great risk.

Arrangements were made with bus operators, UNO, for the children to travel to school by bus for free until the bridge could be made safe.

Chief Inspector Nigel Brown said: "The potential risk caused by the removal of gully covers is significant and we are concerned to identify those responsible and reduce the risk of harm to road users.

"It would have taken some time to remove the safety barriers so there must be members of the public who witnessed these offences. Together with the County Council we would ask that anyone with information contacts us on 0845 33 00 222.

"If you have information about the people responsible, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 - you don't have to give your name and you could be entitled to a cash reward for your information."