Central Networks is urgently repeating its warning for people to stay clear of its power network after two men were killed and another badly injured while trying to steal metal from substations in the West Midlands.

The two separate incidents, in Willenhall and in Halesowen, also cut power to thousands of people in the area.

"These incidents are obviously tragic for everyone involved,""said Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks.

"But they just go to prove what we've been saying for some time - interfering with the power network is incredibly dangerous. You genuinely are taking your life in your hands, and this is the proof.

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"We can only do so much to keep these sites safe for the general public, hopefully these deaths and injuries will act as a warning to anyone even considering entering one of our substations."

In June this year, two men died after inhaling carbon dioxide released from a transformer as they tried to steal copper from a disused factory on the Excelsior Industrial Estate in Halesowen.

Just last week an Alumwell man was jailed for two years for trying to steal copper wiring from a substation in Willenhall. He also suffered a massive electric shock when he tried to remove the metal from the substation in Bilston Street.

More than 3,000 Black Country homes lost power in the incident in November last year.

Central Networks, which supplies power to 9.5 million people from the Lincolnshire coast to the Welsh borders, works closely with the charity Crimestoppers, to offer a £1,000 reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of those responsible for such incidents.

(CD/KMcA)