Leicester substation fire left thousands without power

Andrew Tyrrell, an Ordnance Survey worker, captured aerial images of the fire at the substation on Ravensbridge Drive in Leicester

A fire at a high voltage electrical substation left 45,000 properties in Leicester without power.

The blaze at the substation in Ravensbridge Drive began at about 10:45 GMT forcing businesses to be evacuated and roads to be closed.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said the site has now been "dampened down".

Leicestershire Police said power has been restored and most road closures have been lifted.

Live: Fire at electrical substation

The fire affected power supplies in the LE3, LE4, LE7 and surrounding areas including Groby, Glenfield and Birstall.

Retailers on the A6 including Halfords, Carpet Right and The Range were forced to close for the day.

Bethany Poppy Lola tweeted: "All traffic lights out near Glenfield Hospital.

"House alarms going off everywhere here and no power in the house - having to boil water in a pan."

Leicester City Council tweeted that Beaumont Leys Library had to be evacuated.

The fire service said about 8,800 litres of oil had to be "allowed to burn off" at the site.