HOMES and businesses have been left without electricity for several hours due to a power cut.

About 40 properties in the Over Hulton and Westhoughton areas are currently without supply.

The power outage was first reported to Electricity North West at about 12.30am this morning.

Engineers from the power network operator are attending the site, and power is expected to be restored as normal by about 2pm.

Postcodes affected include: BL5 2EG, BL5 2EL, BL5 2HN, BL5 2HQ, BL5 2LS and BL5 2LT.

Residents who are affected by the power outage can call Electricity North West for free on 105.