Four men have appeared in court charged with intent to endanger life after a hospital was struck by a four-hour power cut.

They were arrested by West Midlands Police in Birmingham the day after the incident at the Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother in Margate on Wednesday evening, which plunged two wards into darkness at around 7.15pm and led to patients being diverted from the emergency department.

The power lines at the hospital in Ramsgate Road were later found to have been damaged.

All four men have been charged with one count of criminal damage with intent to endanger life and one count of attempted theft.

They are Noel Mahoney, 23, of Old Willow Close, Bow, London, Patrick Kiely, 35, of Devons Road, Bromley By Bow, London, James Kiely, 37, of Darlingscote Road, Shipston on Stour, Warwickshire and Jonathon Whitty, 38 of Fairfield Road, Bow, London.

They appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court today, where they were remanded until March 26, when they will appear before Birmingham Crown Court.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses.

Anyone with information is asked to call 01843 222289 quoting 46/34099/19.