Council workers find smouldering fallen power cable

Two street cleansing workers, named as Mark and Charlie, spotted the fallen cable while clearing litter bins on Banks Lane in Theydon Mount.

Epping Forest District Council said the dry grass and ground around the cable was smouldering and appeared as though it could catch fire at any time.

They described the incident as "potentially life-threatening".

The workers immediately contacted the emergency services and remained at the scene for more than an hour until the power company arrived and made the cable safe.

Councillor Ray Balcombe, Epping Forest District Council's portfolio holder for contracts delivery and deputy leader, praised the pair for their response.

He said: "My thanks to Mark and Charlie for their professionalism in dealing with this situation, I dread to think what could have happened.

"We've seen the devastation wildfires cause but this could have been life threatening if a person, or an animal, had accidently stepped on the live cable.

"Fallen power lines often look inactive or completely dead, but they can still carry thousands of lethal volts as well as electrically charging the ground around them.

"Thankfully they assumed it was live and reported it immediately, staying at the scene until help arrived.

"Well Done Mark and Charlie, it just goes to show that not all heroes wear capes!"

The council highlighted safety advice from UK Power Networks, which says electricity power lines should always be treated as live.

People who see power lines hanging low, damaged or on the ground are advised to stay at least 10 metres away and contact UK Power Networks on 0800 31 63 105 or 105.

Anyone who believes damaged power equipment is posing a significant risk to the public should call 999.