Power restored to village homes

Power has been restored to hundred of homes in an east Kent village affected by vandalism at an isolating box on the electricity network.

Supply was restored at about 1230 GMT to the 348 properties in Studdal, near Dover, affected by the power cut.

Engineers sent to the box after the power failed at 0150 GMT found a padlock was broken and part of the network had been switched off.

Electricity provider EDF said nothing had been stolen.

Dan Pritchard, from EDF, said: "Tampering with the electricity network is illegal and extremely dangerous and we will of course be liaising with police depending on the outcome of our investigations."

A total of 348 properties in Downs Close, Homestead Lane, Roman Road, Beacon Hill lost power.