A jogger has been told he was "very lucky" after stepping on a live wire on his way back from Battersea Park today (August 17).

Hugh Bowring, 40, was passing through the junction of Westbridge Road and Battersea Bridge Road near the Surrey Lane Estate when it happened and saw sparks fly from the ground.

His shoe was blackened and when a firefighter saw it, he said Hugh was "very lucky".

Hugh said: "I’m no Thomas Edison when it comes to electricity but I can only imagine that if that wire had hit my flesh I’d have been in trouble.

"I shudder to think what would have happened if a child had touched it.

"The question I have is what on earth was a live wire doing exposed like that on a busy London street?"

Wandsworth Times:

Hugh's shoe was blackened when he came in contact with the live wire

London Fire Brigade cordoned off the area.

A spokesperson said: "We were called at 12.50pm to reports of an exposed live electrical wire.

"We have requested the attendance of the electric company."

Hugh rang Wandsworth Council originally, but as the line was busy for the roads, highways and pavements number was busy, he dialled 999.

He said: "And I’m glad I did."

The council has been contacted for council and will get back as soon as possible.