Great Western Coffee Shop

Concern for welfare after charred clothes found near scene of cable theft ^ Theydon Bois, Essex

British Transport Police (BTP) is appealing for information after officers recovered badly burnt clothes at the scene of rail cable theft in the Theydon Bois area in the early hours of Sunday, 13 May.

Officers believe the charred clothing could belong to someone who was seriously burnt during the theft and are urging the person to seek immediate medical attention. The incident was reported to police at 00:45.

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 burnt clothes recovered were a blue coat and blue woolen hat.

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.

Yet again, the concern appears to be primarily with the welfare and safety of the thieves, and not about the delay and expense caused to the railway and its customers.

A better response in my view would have been

"we seek to arrest and charge the person(s) involved, even if injured"