AROUND 170 homes were without power for up to five hours yesterday after flames were seen rising from a manhole cover. 

Police closed Woodstock Road between Elizabeth Jennings Way and South Parade, between about 1pm and 4pm. 

The fire was caused by an electrical fault in an underground cable compartment, Southern Electric said.

The company said about six customers were affected by the initial fire but 170 were off between 3pm and 8pm to make repairs.

A spokesman said: “We would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused.”

He said the company was carrying out “permanent repairs” today.