POLICE believe a thief may have seriously hurt himself while stealing from an electrical substation.

The burglar tried to take expensive electrical components, but it thought to have received a substantial shock likely to have severely injured his hands and face.

Detectives are investigating a break-in at the electrical substation on Upper Napier Street, South Bank, Middlesbrough overnight Tuesday to Wednesday, February 4 and 5.

PC Anthony Simpson said: “There are obvious concerns for the welfare of the person who broke into the substation.

"We’d like to speak to this person or to anyone who may know their identity, as well as anyone who may have information relating to the crime itself.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Anthony Simpson on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.