POWER cuts which hit more than 3,000 Oxford homes and forced comedian Josh Widdicombe to cancel a show at the Oxford Playhouse were resolved by midnight.

The last 500 properties in the OX1 and OX2 postcode areas were back online by the early hours of today, SEE tweeted this morning.

Spokesman Greg Clarke said the power cut that hit those areas was caused by two electrical faults.

He said about 650 customers were affected by the first cut at about 6.15pm, but about 500 were still waiting for electricity until midnight.

A second fault at about 6.45pm affected another 2,600 customers, whose power was restored within an hour.

Mr Widdicombe last night apologised to fans who had come down to the playhouse only to have the show cancelled.

He tweeted: “There will be a replacement date booked in asap. If you are still here please have a drink on me at the bar as a thank you for your patience.”

Mr Clarke apologised for any inconvenience caused.

Power cuts also affected traffic lights on Botley Road, and in the George Street and Walton Street areas last night.

Oxford University said many of its buildings had been hit by the power cut, including the Weston Library, Said Business School and its Hythe Bridge Street departments.

Among those affected was Oxford Playhouse. Long queues were seen outside the theatre as punters waited for a decision to be made, but just before 8pm Mr Widdicombe said the show had been cancelled.

Also affected was Gourmet Burger Kitchen on George Street, which said it was unable to cook anything because of the power cut.

The Oxford Mail offices were also affected with phones unable to make or receive calls. The phones are now fixed and you can reach us on our usual numbers.