Large parts of Coalville and the surrounding areas have been hit by a power cut this morning (Monday) after a transformer fault.

Western Power Distribution, the electricity distribution network operator for the Midlands, said all power should have been restored shortly after 8am.

The WPD Live Powercuts Map describes it as a 'High Voltage Incident'.

A spokeswomen for Western Power told Coalville Nub News: "I can confirm there was a power cut at 6.34am this morning affecting 3,216 customers in the Coalville area.

"Of these, 2,275 had their power restored within one minute by a remote process called 'switching' (where electricity is re-routed around the fault).

"A further 965 were reconnected within an hour. The final 23 customers all had power restored by 8.06am.

"The power cut was caused by a transformer fault.

"Transformers are usually located outside and can be affected by external factors, such as a falling branch.

"It is possible people living nearby noticed a flash and a bang when the fault occurred which may explain reports of an explosion.

"Engineers are now working to carry out a permanent repair.

"No further disruption to customers is expected while this work is taking place."

Social media reports suggested power had also been off in Hugglescote, Whitwick and Ellistown.

Other comments said power had been down in Bardon Road, Scotlands Drive and Oxford Street among several other streets.