Essex: Burnt Clothes At Cable Raid Scene

British Transport Police is appealing for information after officers found badly burnt clothes at the scene of another rail cable theft in Essex.

Around 20 metres of cable was stolen in the Theydon Bois area early on Sunday in the latest in a string of incidents which have led to the disruption of rail services across the country.

Officers believe the charred clothing, a blue coat and woolly hat, could belong to someone who was seriously burnt during the theft and are urging the person to seek immediate medical attention.

Detective Inspector Andy Winters said: "After conducting an initial search at the scene we recovered some badly charred clothing and are clearly very concerned that someone may have been seriously injured.

"In addition we have the possibility, as a worst-case scenario, that somebody has been electrocuted and is currently unaccounted for.

"I would encourage anybody who has a friend or relative who may not yet have returned home, or who has unusual or unaccounted for burn injuries to contact us as soon as possible.

"Accessing prohibited parts of the railway is extremely dangerous and anyone with injuries should seek medical attention immediately."