POWER was cut off to thousands of homes in County Durham this morning (May 26) after reports of smoke coming from an electricity sub-station.

Northern Powergrid said engineers were called out to Skerneside sub-station in Newton Aycliffe amid fears there could be a fire.

Electricity to over 5,000 homes in the south of County Durham, including Newton Aycliffe, Chilton and Staindrop was cut off for up to three hours with the last home being reconnected just before 10am.

Power cuts LIVE: Thousands without electricity in Tyne & Wear and County Durham

A spokesman for Northern Powergrid said: “It was due to a report of smoke coming from a piece of equipment in our main sub-station.

“It was switched off for safety purposes while investigated in case something went on fire.

“It had to be turned off for safety.  That was why we had to turn the power off to so many customers.”

Unrelated ongoing service faults in the system mean services in Cockfield and Witton-le-Wear could take until 2pm to fix.

Read more: When will be power be restored in North East after Thursday cuts?

Northern Powergrid is also dealing with unplanned power cuts in parts of Sunderland Newcastle and Wallsend.

They are unconnected to the issue in Newton Aycliffe this morning.

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