MORE than a thousand people were left in darkness yesterday when a high voltage cable was severed.

An area of Worcester comprising Wyld's Lane and Newtown Trading Estate was affected by the blackout, which lasted from 12.30pm until about 1.50pm.

Spokeswoman for electricity company Aquila Network, Beverley Harrington, said the blackout had been caused by a contractor going through a high voltage cable, "probably" while undertaking excavation work.

"Unfortunately, a contractor went through one of our high voltage cables," said Miss Harrington.

"Considering it was a high voltage cable and also a very urban area of the city, we did manage to restore supplies quite quickly."

In total 1,400 people were affected.

Also affected were Victoria Avenue, Sherriff Street and Medway Road.