Thousands of people were left without power after an electricity substation blew up.

Residents in Thanet reported hearing a loud bang after 11pm last night, leaving 2,039 homes without power.

Police say there was an explosion at a substation in Chapel Place Lane, and UK Power Networks sent engineers to the Ramsgate area to investigate.

A spokesman for the company said: “Power was interrupted to 2,039 customers in Ramsgate at 11.40pm last night due to a fault on a piece of equipment at an electricity substation.

“Engineers worked hard to reconnect supplies between 12.50pm and 3.50am.

"At 6.36am we became aware some customers had not had their power restored and engineers are working to rectify this.

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

Power is not expected to be restored back to all homes until between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

A witness said the substation unit exploded, firing out hot silicon material which melted onto fencing.

They said: "If it had happened during the day and anyone was within the blast zone they would have been hurt or worse."

Others reported seeing a bright flash and hearing a bang which sounded like a firework.

Around 50 properties are still said to be affected.