A SPEED camera has been pulled down on a notorious stretch of the A14 in Suffolk and the mechanism inside stolen, police have revealed.Officials said those responsible had gone to a “great deal of trouble” to get their hands on the camera at the Haughley bends.

A SPEED camera has been pulled down on a notorious stretch of the A14 in Suffolk and the mechanism inside stolen, police have revealed.

Officials said those responsible had gone to a “great deal of trouble” to get their hands on the camera at the Haughley bends.

The culprits drove a vehicle into a field near the road and attached a chain or rope to the camera to rip it down. They then left the concrete base and mains cabling exposed and pulled the cabinet housing the camera and radar off, before stealing them.

The camera, on the eastbound carriageway of the A14 near Stowmarket, is one of four permanent cameras on the Haughley bends area of the road.

The stretch of road is designated an accident reduction zone and cameras help enforce a 50mph limit through the bends, to try and prevent deaths or serious accidents.

Michelle Finnerty, spokeswoman for Suffolk SafeCam, the organisation which operates the cameras, insisted it would be replaced after the attack.

She said mobile cameras would be used in the meantime to ensure motorists stick to the 50mph limit. Damage to the camera is still being assessed, but it will run into thousands of pounds, she added.

She said: “Someone has gone to a great deal of trouble but this won't be effecting our operations.” Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact the Pc James Brinsley on 01473 613500.