Power was cut off to hundreds of homes in a village because of an emergency "safety issue".

UK Power Networks said it had to stop electricity running to 363 properties in Barham, near Canterbury .

Power had been returned to the majority of homes just before 5pm, but engineers are still working to restore the supply to 37 properties.

The company messaged villagers saying: "We're contacting you to let you know that we have just been made aware of a safety issue relating to the electricity supply in your local area, and in the interest of public health and safety, we have had to turn off power to 363 properties.

"As this is an emergency, we did not know this was going to happen and we're sorry that we were unable to provide you with prior notice of this unplanned power cut.

"We're texting a wide area so if your power is not currently off we do not expect you to be affected."

The power cut was reported shortly after 4pm.

UK Power Networks says it had to turn off the power so engineers could safely carry out emergency repairs to the network.

A spokesman said: "Engineers are working as quickly as possible to restore electricity supplies to 37 properties in The Street area of Barham, near Canterbury.

"Staff needed to turn off supplies to 363 customers from 4.09pm to 4.48pm today after a report of a damaged overhead power line. The majority of supplies were restored and work is continuing to reconnect the remaining properties.

"We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused."

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