A FAULT with an underground cable has plunged at least 20 homes into darkness amid a power cut lasting “several hours”.

UK Power Networks engineers have been working to repair a fault at Mile End Road since around 8am this morning.

At 5.30pm, a spokesman for UK Power Networks confirmed engineers had cut a cable and were still working on repairs. They said engineers were working to get the power back on between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.

The spokesman said: “We can appreciate how frustrating and disruptive being without power can be, and our staff are working as fast as they can.”

UK Power Networks issued a further update at 7pm, apologising for the prolonged outage.

A spokesman said: “We're sorry your power has now been off for several hours and we're working as quickly as possible to get you back on.”

In addition, they offered advice to residents concerned their “mobile phone batteries may be running low”.

They added: “Set your phone to power saving mode, reduce screen brightness, turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS, cut apps running in the background and if possible top up using a car charger or portable battery pack.”

Updates to follow.