A RECKLESS attempt by thieves in Tamworth to cut and steal live wires at an electricity sub station which carries more than 130,000 volts has sparked a manhunt in the town.

The act, which caused a flash of light seen by workers over a quarter of a mile away, has been described as 'extremely daring'. Police fear the perpetrator may have been severely burnt.

Had the copper wires been successfully cut, Tamworth would have been plunged into a total blackout – with power being lost to homes, the railway track, street and traffic lighting, businesses and the Sir Robert Peel Hospital.

"This was an extraordinarily daring attack. Breaking into a grid sub station carrying 132,000 volts of electricity is incredibly dangerous, and it could have caused a power cut to the whole of Tamworth," explained Phil Wilson, customer operations manager at Central Networks, which owns the site.

"It continues to amaze me just how far some people are willing to go to steal vital pieces of safety equipment to sell as scrap metal.

"Sooner or later, someone will end up paying with their life. We keep our sub stations fenced off and locked up for good reason.""

The incident happened at the Bolebridge Street sub station around 7.30am on Tuesday morning.

Officers combed the area, but found no trace of the culprits. A search was also made at Tamworth, Burton and Good Hope hospitals.

"We are concerned that somebody has been injured with serious burns and may need medical help," said Peter Stevens, spokesperson for Trent Valley Police, which covers Tamworth.

A £1,000 reward is being offered through Crimestoppers to anyone who can provide information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

Anyone who has information about the vandalism or attempted theft at the sub station should contact Tamworth police on 0300 123 4455 or Crimestoppers, in complete confidence, on 0800 555 111.

Calls to Crimestoppers are free from landlines and callers do not have to leave their name or give any information which may identify them.