150 shops in Leeds hit by power blackout

Properties around Boar Lane and Briggate were left without electricity following the incident shortly after 2pm.

Utility company CE Electric said 154 mostly commercial premises had been affected. Work to restore power supplies began within an hour and most properties had their power back by 3.30pm.

A spokeswoman said the cause was being investigated.

She said: “It is unconfirmed, but contractors working on our behalf were carrying out excavation work outside Marks and Spencer on Briggate, and may have caused damage or disturbance to the underground power lines.”

The M&S store on Briggate was closed temporarily and staff were posted outside to explain the situation to would-be customers.