A power cut is affecting hundreds of businesses and homes in Gravesend town centre.

According to UK Power Networks, power went off just after 3pm and about 170 customers are still affected.

It is understood an underground electricity cable faulted on the high voltage network, causing an area wide power cut.

The firm said in a statement to customers: "We became aware of this power cut at 3.05pm. We’re sorry for any disruption this may have caused. We didn’t know in advance there would be a power cut, but now that we know, our teams will do everything they can to get your power back quickly.

"Engineers in our control room have switched some customers power back on in your area. To get everyone’s power back on we may need to attend to investigate and make repairs. We’ll continue to update you until everyone’s power is back on."

The affected area stretches from Old Road West to just before West Street and from parts of Wrotham Road over to Lennox Road.

The area includes the hospital in Bath Street and Mayfield Grammar School although larger premises are likely to have back-up generators.

UK Power Networks reckons the power won't be fully restored until between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

An update as of 4.19 said: "Our engineers have arrived on site and are investigating the fault.

"You may find your power is going on and off; that is normal for this type of issue and is due to our engineers working to divert power remotely.

"By doing this, we've managed to restore power to 690 customers. There are now 170 properties still affected."

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