Power off in hundreds of homes

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Hundreds of homes have been without power all weekend after thieves looking for copper cable targeted an electricity substation.

The power went off in more than 700 homes in Chesham Fold and Radcliffe in Bury, Greater Manchester, on Friday.

United Utilities said engineers would try and restore power to most of the homes affected by Sunday evening.

A spokesman said wiring and fuses needed to be checked for damage in all the homes before being reconnected.

Two transformers were stolen from the substation and cables were damaged in the attack on Friday night.

Health and safety

The United Utilities spokesman added: "The health and safety of our customers is of paramount importance to us and we will endeavour to carry out our inspections as quickly and efficiently as possible over the next few days.

"We will be notifying customers by letter with further details as to what has happened and also updating customers directly whilst making our inspections.

"It is extremely unfortunate that the mindless acts of others has led to this inconvenience for our customers."

Bury Council is currently working to identify vulnerable residents who need to be temporarily re-housed.

A spokesperson said: "The best advice we can offer residents affected is to find alternative accommodation until normal service is resumed.

"It is appalling that this shameless act of vandalism has left so many residents without power for the whole weekend."