A MAN is in a life-threatening condition after being burned while apparently attempting to steal scrap metal.

It happened at 3.15pm on Sunday, when police were told that a man had suffered burn injuries at Mitchell Street in Walker, Newcastle.

On arrival it was confirmed he'd suffered severe electrical burns. Following enquiries the site was identified as a live electrical cable at a derelict industrial unit at Mary's Place.

It's believed the man had been attempting to take scrap metal from the site and had touched a live cable, however, enquiries are still ongoing.

The 35-year-old has been taken to hospital and is in a life-threatening condition.

Acting Neighbourhood Inspector Dougie Johnston said: "We've been reiterating time and again how dangerous it is for people to be tampering with live electrical cables and putting their lives at risk for the sake of a little bit of metal.

"On this occasion it's suspected the man involved was attempting to take metal from a derelict site and touched a live cable causing severe burn injuries.

"He's currently in a life threatening condition in hospital and enquiries into the incident are still ongoing.

"I'd urge people to think twice before tampering with electrical cables, entering derelict and unsafe sites and going on to railway lines to take metal because they are putting their lives, and in some cases the lives of others, in danger."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police on 03456 043 043 ext 69191, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.