A 17-year-old motorist has suffered serious burns after being struck across the legs by a thick metal wire, which had been strung across a road in Perth’s southern suburbs.

Heath Prince was driving north on Pinetree Gully Road in Willetton shortly after midnight on December 29, when he saw a steel cable across the road near Panamuna Drive.

Police said he applied his brakes but made slight contact with the wire, which was attached between a power pole and a no standing sign.

It is believed the cable was stolen from the local cricket club. Photo: WA Police

The teenager got out of his vehicle and as he was trying to remove the wire another vehicle hit it, causing it to detach from the power pole and strike him across both of his legs.

He suffered serious burns to both the front and back of his legs.

Two people wearing grey hooded jumpers were seen running across Burrendah Park.

The second vehicle stopped and remained at the scene for some time, and police are asking for the driver and occupants to come forward.

They are described as being dark skinned, while the vehicle is possibly a grey-coloured Volkswagen sedan or similar.

Heath Prince can smile now after his shorts were torn by the metal wire.

Police believe the cable was stolen from the Willetton District Cricket Club on December 28.

–ABC