Suspected metal thief suffers serious burns

A suspected metal thief suffered serious burns while attempting to steal copper wiring from a business in Rochdale.

Police were called to the Castleton area at about 3.45am on Friday 23 March 2012, by the North West Ambulance Service, who were treating a man with burn injuries.

Officers attended and discovered attempts had been made to steal copper from inside business premises.

A 33-year-old man was taken to hospital before being transferred to a burns unit at Wythenshawe Hospital for treatment to injuries to his face and hands. He is currently in a stable condition.

Detective Sergeant Julie Adams, of Rochdale CID, said: "We believe the man was attempting to steal copper wiring when he suffered some very grave injuries.

"Obviously we are deeply concerned about his injuries and we hope he can make a recovery.

"However, we once again must stress the very real risks associated with carrying out such reckless acts.

"Stealing cable or wiring may seem easy money to some parts of the criminal community, but, as this case shows, the consequences can be absolutely terrible.

"This is not the first time something like this has happened and people need to realise that it is simply not worth the risk."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.