CABLE thieves are being warned they are playing Russian Roulette with their lives as they continue to attempt to steal metal.

Cleveland Police and Northern Powergrid are appealing for information following the latest incident on Clarence Road, Port Clarence, near Middlesbrough, on Tuesday at about 6.45pm.

Officers believe that those responsible could have visible burn injuries which may be serious and significant.

The attempted theft resulted in a power cut to 26 properties in the area, with engineers having to use a generator to provide supply as the cable was repaired.

Acting Inspector Tony Cross, of Cleveland Police, said: “People are playing Russian Roulette with their lives by cutting through live cables. It’s completely stupid and not worth the risk.

“Not only are the consequences high, it also causes disruption for innocent householders who have no access to vital electricity and problems for the electricity supplier who has to work hard to get things back on track.

“I would like to hear from anyone who has any information on the attempted theft to get in touch.”

Nigel Walker, Northern Powergrid’s vulnerable assets manager, said: “This was a reckless and incredibly dangerous act. The cable was live and carrying 11,000 volts, so the person who dug it up to try and cut through is likely to have suffered at least some degree of injury.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Acting Inspector Tony Cross on the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.