A NORTH-EAST man was fighting for his life last night after he was electrocuted following a break-in at a disused dairy.

Police said the 39-year-old intruder had been trying to steal copper cable at the premises in Teesside when the accident happened.

It is not known if the man - and another intruder who was arrested - knew the building still had a power supply.

Although police were still investigating last night, it seems the man had accidentally tapped into a live cable, sending thousands of volts through his body.

The accident blacked out thousands of homes in the Linthorpe area of Middlesbrough.

The power interruption meant supplies were off for more than 80 minutes, between 9.21pm and 10.46pm, until it could be re-routed.

Police found the victim, from Middlesbrough, as they inspected the site. He was taken to hospital and was last night in a critical condition at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said he had suffered a "massive electrical shock'' resulting in severe burns.

The police spokesman said intruders entered a disused dairy in the Roman Road area of the town to steal the copper.

A 28-year-old local man was arrested shortly after the burglar suffered the huge shock.

Experts were called in to examine the scene and ensure the area was safe.

Inspector John Blake, of Cleveland Police, said: "It would appear intruders had entered those premises with the intention of stealing copper cable."

A 28-year-old man was last night released on police bail pending further inquiries after being questioned yesterday.