POLICE are appealing for information after charred clothing was found near the site of a cable theft.

At about 12.45am on Sunday, May 13, British Transport Police officers were searching an area between Theydon Bois and Epping where about 65 feet of copper cable had been reported stolen by London Underground from a train line.

Officers found a burnt blue bodywarmer and a woollen hat near the track.

Detective Inspector Andy Winters, the investigating officer, 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.

“We've conducted an extensive area search and checked with local hospitals, but with no success so far.

“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."

The cable was found abandoned nearby and a police helicopter was scrambled in the search for the thief.

Anybody with any information about this incident is asked to call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident 23 of 13/5/2012.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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