Shops have reopened at The Mall Chequers after a power cut this morning.

Nearly half of the shops in the King Street centre were unable to open following a power cut at 8.15am which lasted for around 40 minutes.

All stores have now been reopened and businesses is as usual.

UK Power Networks told shopping centre management the problem was caused by a damaged underground cable.

Jamie Percival reported the outage on Twitter. He said: "Power cut in Maidstone Mall. Shops closed. Hopefully back up by 10.30."

A staff member said the main mall lights also went out briefly and others reported emergency lighting being used.

Large retailers such as Boots, BHS, Iceland and Pizza Hut were among those who lost power.

There were also delays on nearby roads when traffic lights went out in Wat Tyler Way. Engineers have repaired the fault and they are now working normally.