LORRIES carrying concrete have been stuck for two hours in Radley after a live power cable plummeted into the road.

Residents in Thrupp Lane said traffic travelling to businesses at the bottom of the road slowed to gridlock at about 1.30pm, after the high-voltage wire fell.

Firefighters dampened down a small hedge fire sparked by the electric current and closed the road.

Resident Mike Wilson said power in Thrupp Lane was out but SSE electricians were working to reconnect them.

He said: "They said it could be quite a few hours.

"A farmer reported hearing an explosion at about 1.30pm and the power went out. A line came down and set fire to the hedge but luckily a lorry was coming along."

Radley Parish Council and residents have been campaigning for years to create another exit from Thrupp Lane, as lorries use the narrow road in both directions.

Mr Wilson added: "It wouldn't be so dangerous. This is an opportunity for them to look at the lane."

Matthew Pittam, spokesman for SSE, said the power cut initially affected 845 homes but power had been restored to all but six.

He added: "We hope to restore power to the remaining properties by 8pm. We are unsure of the cause and will be investigating when the power is back on."