THERE has been a major power cut across Ellesmere Port.

SP Energy Networks say that other areas of Cheshire and Wirral are also affected.

It is hoped the power will be restored by 7pm.

The company said: "We did not know in advance there would be a power cut, and became aware of this at 4.54pm. Our control centre will attempt to reset the network remotely to restore power in stages, and we will also send our next available engineer to attend site.

"Our team will work to get your power back on as quickly and as safely as possible, and we expect the power to be restored by 7pm. Once they arrive, or when we receive any update regarding the cause, we will be able to provide you with more information.

"We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience."

Power failures have also been reported across other areas of the UK, affecting trains, airports and traffic lights.

Power operators for the South East, Midlands, South West and Wales said there was a "major incident" affecting electricity.

UK Power Networks said it believed it was due to a "failure on National Grid's network", the BBC reports.

Transport for London said the drop in power is affecting traffic lights, while many trains have been delayed.

Blackouts have also been reported in the North East.