POLICE have admitted they may never be able to catch the culprits behind July’s three day power cut.

Nearly 100,000 households across Bexley, Dartford and Orpington lost power after a fire broke out on a cable bridge by the Riverside Industrial Estate in Dartford on July 20.

Engineers worked around the clock bringing in generators until power was eventually restored three days later.

In a statement published on a website set up on behalf of residents affected by the power cut, north Kent police’s Acting Chief Superintendent Peter Ayling said the intensity of the fire made forensic analysis of the site almost impossible.

He also said both police and Dartford Council were unaware of the site’s importance and the potential for mass disruption.

Mr Ayling said: “Following the fire at the cable bridge across Darent Creek, north Kent police carried out a thorough investigation.

“Unfortunately this has been seriously hampered by the intensity of the fire and the large volume of water present whilst EDF were repairing the damaged cables, both of which have made forensic analysis almost impossible.

“The reality is we may never be able to bring someone to justice for the damage and disruption they caused.

“It is possible the cause was anti-social youths who did not realise the full consequences of their actions, or possibly organised thieves trying to steal the copper wiring.

“Nothing found so far gives a clear indication of what occurred on that day.”

However Mr Ayling said graffiti at the site suggests access was gained at different times.

He said: “Other than heavy metal doors and padlocks, there was no additional security, or CCTV covering either of the two towers and its remote location made the presence of witnesses unlikely.

“It seems they are subject to inspection from time to time.

“Neither the police, nor the local authority were aware of the strategic importance of these towers, or the potential for mass disruption.”

An independent auditor has been ordered by industry regulator Ofgem to look into the state of security at the cable bridge.

Results of its findings were due to be published at the end of last month.

EDF Energy declared the power failure was an “exceptional” incident which entitled it to make lower payouts to those affected.

The power company offered a £50 goodwill payment to anyone continuously without power for 24 hours.

Mr Ayling said: “Both the police and Dartford Council have been working closely with EDF energy to ensure such an incident cannot occur again.

“Measures have been taken and will continue to be taken to significantly improve the security of the site, although this remains the responsibility of EDF energy.”