Power supplies have been interrupted to around 2,600 homes in the East of England.

High winds overnight have caused extensive damage to power lines across the East of England, interrupting electricity supplies to about 2,600 customers.

That number is likely to rise this morning as more damage is reported.

UK Power Networks engineers worked through the night and will continue today, moving from job to job to repair the damage and restore power as quickly as is safely possible. There will also be helicopter patrols to check overhead power lines.

Customer service staff and volunteers from the British Red Cross, which works in partnership with UK Power Networks, will also be on site helping people in the worst affected areas.

Since midnight, advisors have spoken to about 300 people to keep them updated as repair work progressed.

Customers can report any power cuts and damaged lines on free helplines: In the East of England call 0800 783 8838. You can also see www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk and follow the company on twitter for updates. Anyone spotting a damaged power line is urged to report it, but please stay well clear.

If you call during a major incident you are likely to hear an automatic message which recognises the area you are calling from and gives information about known faults in that area. You have an option to speak to an advisor too.

The electricity network is built to be resilient but extreme weather can see overhead power lines damaged by tree branches and wind-borne debris.