Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 14 (IANS): Vital parts of fire fighting equipment kept in the Kerala Assembly complex and the Legislators' Hostel have been reported missing, an official said on Monday.

Confirming reports about the missing equipment, the official, attached to the assembly, said that a preliminary probe has revealed that some parts of the fire fighting gear, especially the fittings on the water hose pipes, have disappeared.

"The maximum loss has been reported at the Legislators' Hostel while things that have gone missing from the assembly complex are more like hinges and such," said the official, who did not want to be named.

The offices of the Assembly Speaker, Legislature Secretary and the Chief Marshal have intimated about the matter, the official said.

Officials are taken aback that the vital equipment has gone missing from high security areas and it seems that the phenomenon has been occurring over quite some time.

There is currently a break in the ongoing session which will resume on Wednesday after the Independence Day.

On Wednesday, Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan is expected to decide whether a police probe is required as both the areas are manned by the Watch and Ward staff, which reports directly to him, and not the Kerala Police