A TOTAL of 169 people are now without power due to an underground cable fault.

UK Power Networks believe the fault happened at about 11.26am, causing an area-wide power cut in CM7 5, around the Warley Close area.

The company have estimated power will be restored between 7.30pm and 8.30pm tonight, after initially saying 142 customers were affected.

A statement online said: "There is currently a power cut in this area. Our engineers are working hard to fix it as quickly as possible. We are sorry for any trouble this may have caused you."

Update 4.50pm: It is now estimated power will be restored between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.

Braintree and Witham Times:

To report a power cut visit ukpowernetworks.co.uk