Thief suffers electric shock
7th June, 2010
The 18-year-old from Darlington was found on fire in disused premises as a group of youths tried to steal live electrical cable carrying 11,000 volts.
He suffered extensive burns to his arms and head which were initially described as life-threatening.
He was taken to the University Hospital of Durham and later transferred to the RVI in Newcastle where he is now said to be seriously ill but stable.
The incident happened about 2pm on Saturday, June 5, at Durham Structures, Hilton Road, Newton Aycliffe.
A second man, 19, also from Darlington, was arrested, interviewed by officers and released on bail pending further inquiries,
Det Insp Simon Orton, leading the investigation, said: "This young man could have died. He will have to live with the consequences of his criminal action for the rest of his life.
"People who go out to steal copper cabling carrying electricity are putting their lives at risk.
"We have had a number of these types of burglaries recently and we want emphasise that the intruders are putting themselves in highly dangerous situations where death could result from dishonesty.
" Notwithstanding the dangers to which the thieves expose themselves, they are also potentially subjecting police officers and other members of the emergency services or general public to similar risks when we respond to the crimes"
Anyone with information can contact Durham Police on 03456060365 or Crimestoppers on 08005555111.
