Dozens of electrical appliances in Bolton caught fire earlier this week after copper wiring was stolen from a local sub-station causing a power surge.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service were inundated with calls from residents of the Westhoughton area of the town at around 8am on Monday.

In the space of three hours, a total of 71 incidents were reported. Household appliances such as televisions, washing machines and electrical appliances were damaged and in some cases caught fire.

Energy company United Utilities has now restored power to some 400 homes.

There were no injuries from the incidents and no substantial fire damage but some properties were damaged by smoke.

A spokesperson from United Utilities said: “The fire brigade raised the alarm shortly before 8am, Monday 3 May. When United Utilities engineers arrived at the scene they found the copper neutral gear stolen.

"This latest break-in was similar to one carried out in the area 10-days ago. Not only did [the thieves] risk their own lives, but they put the lives of nearby residents at risk too.”

Greater Manchester Police is investigating the theft of the cable, reportedly worth just £20.