Thousands hit as major power cuts break out across North West in record-breaking heatwave

Thousands of homes across the north west have been hit by power cuts as the region's record-breaking heatwave continues. Houses and businesses in Greater Manchester are among almost 8,000 which have been affected by a string of power cuts in the north west.

The biggest is affecting Clitheroe, in east Lancashire, where as many as 6,183 customers in the BB7 area are without power. Electricity North West says the power cut was reported just after 11.15am and engineers are yet to be sent out to the scene.

In Greater Manchester, 73 premises in Heywood are affected by a power cut, while there are smaller power cuts affecting the M6 area of Salford, the BL3 area of Bolton, the OL8 area of Oldham and a handful of homes in Prestwich.

READ MORE: UK heatwave LIVE weather updates as Greater Manchester braces for the warmth once again amid warnings over travel, 41C temperatures and water usage

Elsewhere in the north west, more than 1,000 homes and businesses have been hit by power cuts in Cumbria, while parts of Glossop, Preston and St Helens are also affected. Electricity North West says the power cuts have been caused by 'unexpected incidents' on the cables which carry electricity.

The company says power is expected to be restored later today in most cases, although it is yet to give an estimate for the huge Clitheroe power cut. It comes as the north west swelters on the second day of a heatwave that has already seen records broken.

Greater Manchester saw its highest recorded temperature by the Met Office yesterday, at 34.3C in Rochdale, while Rostherne between Knutsford and Altrincham hit 35C. That record is expected to be topped today, with the University of Manchester recording a temperature of 36C at its Whitworth