DISTRAUGHT Angela Potter today labelled vandals who damaged her Christmas lights as "very sad people."The mother-of-seven, who lives in Collingwood Avenue, Ipswich was at home when somebody cut the wires to four sets of Christmas lights which were decorating the outside of her terrace house.

By Nick Richards

DISTRAUGHT Angela Potter today labelled vandals who damaged her Christmas lights as "very sad people."

The mother-of-seven, who lives in Collingwood Avenue, Ipswich was at home when somebody cut the wires to four sets of Christmas lights which were decorating the outside of her terrace house.

Angela, 52, said she has put lights on her house for the last 20 years and was saddened to think that someone could do this.

"I put the lights up every year, mainly for the local children and for my own.

I used to put them on in the morning for the kids going to school and I would switch them on again in the evening.

"On Thursday I turned them on as usual, but when my daughter came home she asked why they weren't working."

"The lights were a new set this year and whoever cut them must have had the equipment as it was a very clean cut. They must have used pliers or shears."

They had been on the front of her house since November 1. She said two of the sets, each containing 300 lights cost her £80 each.

Angela is currently on income support but had saved up to buy the new lights estimated to cost around £200. Since the lights were destroyed, she said her neighbours had been very sympathetic.

"The following day a lady over the road, who has a grandson, asked me what happened as she had expected to see them still up.

"I can't afford to replace them and I shall have to think about doing this again. My kids said they would get some more for me, but I said not to bother as it's just not worth it.

"I feel sorry for whoever did this. They must be very sad people.

Suffolk Police said they were investigating the incident, which occurred between 3.45pm and 6.45pm on Thursday December 12.

Anyone with any information should call PC Caroline Sayer at Ipswich Police on 01473 613500 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.