BUSINESSES in Blackburn town centre lost power this morning after an underground electricity fire.

Firefighters were called to Darwen Street, near the Pizza Planet restaurant, at 5.30am and isolated the blaze.

Engineers from Electricity North West were also on the scene and were working on reconnecting the power.

However, properties in Darwen Street, St Peter Street, Mill Lane and Mincing Lane were due to remain without power until late afternoon, Electricity North West said.

Part of Darwen Street was closed by firefighters but reopened at about 9.45am.