A MAN is in a critical condition after receiving a electric shock at a power station in County Durham.

The 41-year-old is thought to have touched a live pylon at the sub-station, owned by utility firm NEDL, in Addison Road station near Bishop Auckland.

He suffered burns to his body following the incident, which occurred at midday on Wednesday, and is critical but stable in hospital.

The man was taken to Bishop Auckland General Hospital before being transferred to Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary.

A police spokesman said an investigation was under way into how the man, who was not an electricity worker, had entered the secure site.

Another 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of theft in connection with the incident.

Full story in tomorrow's Northern Echo