Man Critical After Being Electrocuted In Newcastle

A man is in a life-threatening condition after allegedly trying to steal scrap metal from an industrial site in Newcastle.

The 35-year-old man suffered severe burns at Mitchell Street in Walker at around 3.15pm on October 23, Northumbria Police said.

Officers believe the man may have been injured after coming into contact with a live cable while trying to take scrap metal from the derelict industrial unit at Mary's Place.

However enquiries are continuing.

Following the accident the man was taken to hospital where he is described as being in a life-threatening condition.

Acting Neighbourhood Inspector Dougie Johnston said: ``We've been reiterating time and again how dangerous it is for people to be tampering with live electrical cables and putting their lives at risk for the sake of a little bit of metal.

``On this occasion it's suspected the man involved was attempting to take metal from a derelict site and touched a live cable causing severe burn injuries. He's currently in a life-threatening condition in hospital and enquiries into the incident are still ongoing.

``I'd urge people to think twice before tampering with electrical cables, entering derelict and unsafe sites and going on to railway lines to take metal because they are putting their lives, and in some cases the lives of others, in danger.''

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police on 03456 043 043 ext 69191, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.