HUNDREDS of homes in villages near Saffron Walden have been left without power after an unplanned power cut.

UK Power Networks said it became aware of a power cut affecting 277 properties in the CB11 4 and CM23 1 postcode areas at 9.48am on Friday.

In a statement on its website, it said: "We’re sorry for any disruption this may have caused you. We didn’t know in advance there would be a power cut, but now that we know, our teams will do everything they can to get your power back quickly.

"Engineers in our control room have switched some customers power back on in your area. To get everyone’s power back on we may need to attend to investigate and make repairs.

"We’ll continue to update you until everyone’s power is back on."

The affected area includes Wendens Ambo and Clavering.