A major power cut hit thousands of homes and businesses across mid Essex.

The power cut struck twice with a first blackout hitting an area from Chelmsford to Braintree and Halstead at about 1.40pm and lasting around an hour.

Shops and offices began to return to normal but 15 minutes later were left in the dark again by a second failure which lasted until around 4pm.

Firefighters were also kept busy as the power failure tripped fire alarms at sites across the area.

The major fault was being invetsigated by 24Seven and Powergen.

More in Monday's Evening Gazette

Published Saturday, May 31, 2003

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