A national power supplier has issued an apology after it cut electricity late at night to a number of Hitchin homes without warning.

UK Power Networks issued a public apology after its workmen cut electric supply to an area of Hitchin without warning late on Thursday evening (May 19).

The area affected covered a section of Redhill Road, and Nutleigh Grove around 11pm - leaving families in the dark.

The energy provider - valued at around £15bn - said they were "sorry for the disruption," going on to explain that the power was turned off as there had been a fault on the mains cable of a neighbouring property, adding: "loss of power is an emergency situation, so we can't always guarantee prior notice."

However, residents also suffered a loss of wi-fi at the same time, an issue which stretched well into Friday morning.

One Hitchin resident affected wrote on social media: "Is it just a coincidence our Virgin Media is down as well?"

UK Power Networks, run by CEO Basil Scarsella, refused to acknowledge that the lack of broadband connectivity in the same area of Hitchin was related to the incident.

Virgin Media have since worked to fix the wi-fi problem.

IF YOU HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH POWER SUPPLIES/SUPPLIERS IN HITCHIN PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH HITCHIN NUB NEWS by emailing [email protected]

PICTURE BELOW: The UK Power Network Executive team including CEO Basil Scarsella (centre with white hair).

If you have been affected by work relating to UK Power Network you can call 0800 028 4587 - free to call from a mobile or a landline phone. Lines open Monday to Friday 830am to 5pm

Or you can write to UK Power Networks at: Customer Care, UK Power Networks, Fore Hamlet, Ipswich, IP3 8AA

Or you can complete their online form if you have any comments or a complaint