A FIRE at an electrical substation in Widnes today is believed to have been started deliberately.

The police have confirmed they are investigating a suspected theft of electricity and criminal damage at the substation on Moorfield Road.

Firefighters were called shortly before 11am.

Engineers are currently working on site and around 50 homes are still without power.

A spokesman for Scottish Power said: “The fire appears to have been caused by attempted theft at the substation.

“We are working as quickly as we can but unfortunately some customers might not go on until later this evening.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.”

Anyone with information can call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 389 of May 5.