Scrap metal thieves in California electrocuted

One man was electrocuted and his female partner severely burned, after they attempted to steal copper wire from a vacant building in Southern California on the weekend.



The police say they were notified about the incident after receiving reports of a loud explosion and screams coming from the building.



The couple's children, aged three and six, were found waiting in a truck near the vacant property when the police arrived at the scene.



The children have since been placed in the custody of the state.