Metal thieves die at factory

Two metal thieves have been killed as they tried to steal copper cables from a derelict factory in Sandwell - which has been sealed off by police. The Health & Safety Executive is investigating the deaths.

See also: Video: Two thieves die at factory

The men are believed to have been electrocuted or gassed by carbon dioxide, after triggering a fire safety system during the burglary in Rowley Regis. Officers suspect they were part of a gang which targeted the former Fontana nuts and bolts factory on Cakemore Road last night.nextpage

The alarm was raised by a member of the public who heard shouts coming from the building at around 11.20pm last night, where a small fire had broken out.