Major incident declared as underground fire leaves 500 homes without power

A multi-agency response is underway this evening after more than 500 homes were left without electric following a fire in Newcastle.

At around 3.20pm this afternoon police received a report of an underground electrical fire on Ponteland Road in Cowgate.

Emergency services responded to the incident and Tyne and Wear Fire Service were able to bring the fire under control.

Nobody was injured and there was only minor disruption to traffic in the area, however, the fire caused large-scale disruption to homes in the area.

Around 500 homes have been left without power and, due to the cold temperatures and adverse weather, a major incident has been declared by police and partners.

A reception centre has been set up at the Morrisons supermarket on Two Ball Lonnen where a number of partner agencies are in attendance.

Residents affected by the power cut are being invited to attend the rest centre at the supermarket who have agreed to stay open past their 10pm closing time.

There they will be able to chat to representatives from the blue light services, the local authority and the British Red Cross.

Superintendent George Maratty tonight reassured residents that Northern Powergrid were working hard to get power back up and running.

Anyone affected by the power cut can visit the reception centre at Morrisons and follow @northumbriapol on Twitter for update.

There are a number of officers also down on Ponteland Road and they are happy to speak to any residents who have concerns.