A MAJOR power cut believed to be caused by faulty underground cable blacked out hundreds of homes and businesses across Ely.

UK Power Networks said the power cut occurred at approximately 10:43am and was due to a “blown fuse at a local substation”.

Engineers were working on fixing the issue for more than three hours before power was finally restored shortly after 2.15pm.

Many shops and businesses were forced to close during the black out, costing them hundreds of pounds in trade, with local butchers and fast food restaurants expressing concern for their stock after fridges and cookers cut out.

There were also problems experienced in Witchford, though it is understood that power loss in the village lasted only a few minutes.

The power to traffic lights in the heart of the city was cut and vehicles suffered significant holdups.

Some businesses on Fore Hill managed to avoid the powercut however, and remained open as usual.