Thousands of people across Medway were left without power for hours following a network fault.

More than 5,000 customers across the area from Gillingham to Chatham, Rochester and the Isle of Grain were affected.

UK Power Networks says an underground electricity cable faulted on the high voltage network, causing an area wide power cut.

Electricity had been restored to all homes and businesses by 1.15pm - but a further power cut half an hour later affected 200 people.

A statement from the company's Twitter account said earlier: "We're sorry if you've lost power, we're aware of a big power cut affecting the Chatham and Medway areas. We're working to get power on asap."

A spokesman for the company said: "Engineers are working swiftly to restore electricity supplies to several thousand customers in the Medway area following a power interruption at 8.35am today.

"We understand how difficult it is being without electricity and apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Among those affected was the Pentagon Shopping Centre, which posted on its Facebook page: "**SHOPPER NEWS*** To all visitors please be aware there has been a massive power outage across the town effecting up to 5000 homes and businesses. Most of our shops haven't opened. We have been told that the power should be restored by 11am."

Rochester resident James Asquith said he was without power for two hours in St. Margaret's Street.

"The last time we saw such sporadic power supply in this area was in the immediate post-war years and to which it seems we are returning," he said. "Very poor service."

Engineers were again dispatched after a second power cut at 1.45pm, which affected 203 properties in Chatham.

A further statement from UK Power Networks, said: "A number of these residents would have been affected by an earlier power cut in the Medway area today and we apologise for the disruption this is causing."