A fault on an underground electricity cable caused 404 homes to experience power cuts in Essex this evening.

The cuts started at 7.15pm and affected properties in the Gainsborough Drive area of Lawford, Manningtree.

UK Power Networks engineers restored supplies to 169 customers within an hour.

All but one of the remaining 235 properties were back with power by 9.20pm.

A spokeswoman for the company said: “We understand how difficult it is being without electricity and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”