Four injured in substation blast

Three boys and a man were injured in the grounds of the hospital

A man and three boys have been injured in an explosion at an electrical substation at a former children's hospital in Manchester.

The substation is in the grounds of Booth Hall Hospital, Harpurhey, and equipment there had been tampered with, a spokesman for United Utilities said.

The 20-year-old man and three boys aged 11, 13 and 15 were injured in a blast after an electrical cable was cut.

About 610 properties were left temporarily without power on Monday.

The man is in a critical condition, the 15-year-old boy suffered serious injuries and the two other boys suffered minor burns to their hands, police said.

It is believed a generator blew up when an electrical cable was cut through.

Sites like these have warning signs for a reason and they should always be adhered to Supt Mark Roberts Greater Manchester Police

Supt Mark Roberts, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "These people have suffered serious injuries and we do not want to see this happen again.

"Anyone who is not trained to work on highly-charged electrical equipment or is not authorised to be on a works site should stay a safe distance away or lives could be at risk.

"Sites like these have warning signs for a reason and they should always be adhered to."

The incident happened at about 1645 BST and power was restored to the properties by re-routing supplies.