Fife electrical cable thief urged to seek medical attention
A thief who may have been seriously injured attempting to steal electrical cable in Fife has been urged to go to hospital by police.
A 33,000-volt live cable flashed when a cut earth cable fell on it sometime on Sunday night, causing the substation in Cardenden to short circuit.
Officers believe anyone near the cable at the time would have been hurt.
It happened on the B9097 Westfield Road between 19:00 on Sunday and 06:00 on Monday.
PC Rick Henderson, of Fife Constabulary, said: "The theft of this cable is highly dangerous and any person near to a flashover runs the risk of being killed or seriously injured due to the high voltage.
"I would appeal for any person that may have been injured as a result of this incident to seek medical treatment urgently.
"I also appeal to any person who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area that evening or who may have information relating to the persons responsible to phone the police."
A ScottishPower spokesman said: "This cable was live, carrying thousands of volts of electricity. These criminals show a staggering disregard for their own safety, the safety of the public, and that of our employees.
"It is important all our equipment is in service so we can maintain a good quality of electricity supply to all of our customers who depend on our service.
"Dangerous acts like this not only have the potential to cause serious injury but could also result in widespread loss of electricity supply to homes and businesses.
He added: "It quite simply beggars belief that anyone would put their life on the line by interfering with thousands of volts of electricity to steal small amounts of cable with a minimal scrap value."