Thousands of Suffolk residents have been left without power as strong winds from Storm Ciara batter the region.

Power cuts large parts of the county - including in Ipswich, Stowmarket, Woodbridge, Aldeburgh and several smaller towns - have already been reported on Sunday morning, with power not expected to be restored for several hours.

It was later confirmed that 7,125 properties in Suffolk alone had been affected.

UK Power Networks previously warned of potential power cuts due to the extreme weather.

The firm said on Twitter: "We monitor the weather very closely and have robust plans in place to respond to Storm Ciara, including extra engineers, contractors and call takers on duty.

"During a storm, fallen trees and broken branches can damage overhead power lines. If you see damaged overhead lines or equipment stay well away, call 105 and 999, keep others away."