HUNDREDS of Hampshire homes and offices were plunged into gloom after a power cut this afternoon.
About 480 customers in Winchester lost their electricity supply at about 12.30pm when contractors damaged an underground cable, said Southern Electric.
Then a further 80 homes and businesses were also affected at 4.30pm as workman tried to reconnect the supplies.
The problem was focused on part of the city centre around Cross Street, Tower Street, Charlotte Mews and Staple Gardens, including the offices of the Southern Daily Echo and Hampshire Chronicle.
A Southern Electric spokesman said: "We are investigating who was working in the area and caused the damage."
He said four fifths of power cuts are caused by third parties.
The spokesman added: "Engineers were unable to make repairs without taking further customers out, to isolate the area to allow them to safely work.
"We are hoping to restore power by 8pm and would like to apologise for any inconvenience."
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