Metal mast put up a few feet from live power line

The pole was just metres away from the electricity line

A steel mast was put up just a few feet from a 132,000-volt overheard electricity line.

Electricity North West engineers were said to be "speechless" at what they found on the pavement in Kiddrow Lane, Burnley, on Wednesday.

They had to cut power and get the "highly dangerous" pole removed.

Paul Killilea, of Electricity North West, said the situation was “incredibly serious" and that someone could have died.

'Electricity jumping'

Mr Kililea said: "People need to be aware of their surroundings, particularly if they’re erecting steel poles, scaffolding or even ladders anywhere near our network."

The company that put up the mast - which the electricity company has not named - took it down while Electricity North West teams remained at the scene.

The mast was 1m (3 ft) from the live power line.

Electricity North West urged anyone who is unsure while carrying out work close to power lines to contact it.

The 132,000-volt network is the highest voltage Electricity North West operates at.

Engineering standards require nothing should be within several metres of a power line because electricity at such high voltages can jump up to three meters through the air to a conductor and make it live.

Burnley Borough Council has been approached for comment.