Two 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 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.

Two other men, aged 18 and 24, were this afternoon being questioned on suspicion of burglary after being arrested at the scene. Police sealed off the area today as a major operation got under way to recover the bodies.

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.

Police, paramedics and firefighters were called.

Chief Inspector Mark Payne, from West Midlands Police, said: "The men are believed to have suffered fatal injuries, probably from copper cabling that was still carrying a substantial electrical charge.

"The emergency services and techincal experts have overnight been trying to make the unit, which is believed to still be connected to a 10,000 volt electrical supply, safe.

"Electrical transformers inside the premises may also contain residual electrical charges and an internal carbon dioxoide fire suppression system may also have been activated."

Engineers from power company Central Networks were also involved in today's operation.

The Health & Safety Executive is investigating the deaths.