TWENTY-six properties which have been without electricity since lunchtime could be left in the dark until around 7pm this evening. 

The power shortage, which is affecting properties in Oswaldtwistle, is thought to have been caused by a faulty cable in a derelict house.

Engineers are currently on site in the New Lane area assessing the situation which has been ongoing since around 1.30 this afternoon. 

A spokesperson for Electricity North West said: "Our engineers are currently on site and we guess the power will be back on at around 7pm this evening, but we will know more when they fully assess the situation.

"At present it looks as though the power cut has been caused thanks to a cable fault in an old derelict house which is situated in the area.

"We will keep all those affected informed to any developments."

Updates to follow.