HUNDREDS of homes in Newport were without electricity for more than 12 hours after an electricity box caught fire.

It happened late last night on Saturday, March 6 and was reported to Western Power at 10.40pm. In total 294 homes in the NP20 area - mostly around Alma Close in Pill, were without power.

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South Wales Argus: The fire on the electricity box in Pill. Picture: Lisa Maloney

The fire on the electricity box in Pill. Picture: Lisa Maloney

South Wales Argus: The fire on the electricity box in Pill. Picture: Lisa Maloney

The fire on the electricity box in Pill. Picture: Lisa Maloney

Western Power expected for the power to be returned by 3pm and resident Lisa Maloney said that her power had come back on around 2.25pm.

South Wales Argus: The burnt out electricity box in Pill. Picture: Lisa Maloney

The burnt out electricity box in Pill. Picture: Lisa Maloney

She said: “Many of us in the area have young children. We were left with no help at all while it was off. I had to ask a friend to bring us hot water.

“I was worried about the children and OAPs in the area as we were left without heating all night too.”

Gwent Police were informed and have been contacted for comment.