Homes and businesses across St Albans have been plunged into darkness following a power cut.

A total of 1,696 properties including Market Place and Upton Avenue are currently without their power.

Engineers from UK Power Networks are currently working to restore power following the fault on the high voltage network, which occurred at about 2.55pm.

A further number of customers also suffered a brief cut when the fault initially occurred.

Jessica Gallagher, a spokesperson from the network, said: "We would like to reassure our customers that we are working as quickly as is safely possible to restore their supplies to normal as soon as we can.

"We realise how difficult it can be to be without power and apologise for any inconvenience."