HOMES were left without power after a Western Power substation was broken into at the weekend. 

People living in Pershore reported 'a big explosion' before the lights went out on Saturday evening.

Residents say the power cut happened after a group of travellers arrived at the car park of manufacturer, Allen Gears, off Station Road.

West Mercia Police confirmed that a group of trespassers were staying "on a business" off Station Road, Pershore, when the incident happened on Saturday evening.

A spokesman said: "I can confirm that during the evening of Saturday, September 18 there were trespassers staying on a business off Station Road, Pershore.

"During this time a Western Power Substation was tampered with which caused a short term power outage."

Western Power Distribution said there was a loss of supplies, which they were made aware of shortly before 10pm.

A spokesman said: "Engineers attended site and discovered that our substation had been broken into and tampered with.

"Supplies were restored via temporary generators just after 5am on Sunday morning.

"This will enable extensive safety testing of our network to be carried out before supplies can be restored the electricity network."

A person who lives nearby said there was "a big explosion" before the lights went out on Saturday night.

Peter Lowe, security coordinator, said: “Breaking into electrical substations is incredibly dangerous because of the high voltages involved and those who do so are dicing with death.

"They’re putting at risk the lives of our engineers who have to repair and replace infrastructure that may have been left in an unsafe condition.

"Similarly, we are concerned that other innocent people could become victims.

"It’s also incredibly inconvenient for our customers – especially those who have medical conditions, and who may rely on electricity for things like kidney dialysis or oxygen machines.

"We have stepped up our security with CCTV, anti-vandal paint, forensically marking metal and intruder alarms, and we’re working closely with the police at a local and national level.

"Prosecutions have taken place and have led to prison sentences.

"We will always assist the relevant authorities in their prosecutions wherever we can.

"The public can help us too – for if people see any suspicious activity at our substations or involving our power lines – including unmarked vans or trucks appearing at unusual hours, they should alert the police."

“Indeed, we would appeal to anyone who sees anything suspicious to contact their local police force or to ring our freephone number 105.”