COLCHESTER High Street has been left without power for hours due to an “unexpected power cut”

The UK Power Networks (UKPN) has reported that the CO1 1 postcode is experiencing an unplanned power cut.

UKPN first became aware of the outage in the early hours of this morning at 2.23am, August 8, and a team of engineers are still working on fixing the issue.

The CO1 1 postcode covers the High Street, Castle Park, Cowdray Avenue and other roads in the area.

Residents have reported that the High Street has been affected in the outage.

However, UKPN’s website states that four properties have been affected and it does not specify what exact road is affected in the outage.

A statement on the UKPN website said: “We're sorry for any disruption this may have caused you.

“As this was an unexpected power cut, we didn't know it was going to happen, so we were unable to give you advance notice.”

It is hoped that power will be restored to the affected area by 1.30pm at the latest.

The Gazette has contacted UKPN for a comment on the power outage.

But the timeframe may change and be extended depending on UKPN’s investigation into the issue.

It is believed a fault has occurred on an underground electricity cable which has affected the area.

UKPN may have to dig up the road to carry out repairs.

A UKPN spokesman has commented on the incident.

They said: "UK Power Networks engineers were called to Colchester High Street at 2.23am this morning after a fault on the underground electricity network.

"Engineers arrived on site at 3.45am and are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to the four customers affected.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience caused."

To stay updated on this power outage, visit ukpowernetworks.co.uk/power-cut/incident?incidentid=INCD-457864-Z.