Police investigations underway after demolition of mysterious fence

In a Norfolk town, residents are outraged over a mysterious fence blocking a public path that was torn down just hours after it appeared.

Police are investigating damage to the fence next to Tudor Rose Way in Harleston, which neighbours said blocked the entrance to the co-op and doctor’s surgery.

It was destroyed several hours after it was built on Thursday and locals are baffled as to how it got there.

Norfolk County Council has said the fence should never have been erected – and will “demand the removal” of what remains of the structure.

The fence was destroyed (Image: Pete Mason)

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Noor Hussain, who lives next to the path, said the problem had caused “frustration” among neighbors.

He said: “People are freaking out because it was a quick way to get to the doctors and now we have to take a 10-minute detour to get there. It’s so weird.”

“It is a public path and the fence should not be there – not only is it inconvenient, it is also unnecessary.”

His petition against the fence collected 100 signatures in just one day. Supporters of his campaign called the construction “total nonsense” and said there must be “a reason” for it.

However, it remains unclear who is responsible.

Norfolk County Council said: “This link is a public highway and as such should not be blocked.”

“We are liaising with the city council to find out who put up the fence and ask them to remove it.”

Redenhall and Harleston Town Council also advised residents to be cautious in the area as nails and splinters of wood were hanging from the broken fence.

Shortly before 10 p.m. on Thursday, police officers were called to the scene after damage to the building was reported.

A spokeswoman added that investigations into the incident were “ongoing”.