A power cut has closed a comprehensive school in Didcot this morning and has affected a small number of homes in the area.

St Birinus School, in Mereland Road, has been forced to close for the day as Southern Electric staff try to reconnect customers.

Chris Bryan, headteacher of the school, said in a statement on the school’s website: “ The school is closed today. This is due to a major power failure. All pupils should stay at home. We apologise for any inconvenience. We hope to be open on Thursday as usual.”

Mr Bryan said he thought the problem might have been caused by an electricity sub-station on the school site.

Morven Smith, a Southern Electric spokesman said: “We received a call about 5.50am to say that there are about 17 properties, including the school in Didcot, which are without power.

“Engineers are still working on the problem and have ordered a mobile generator to get supplies back on by mid-morning.

“We hope to have everyone’s power back on by about midday and we apologise for the inconvenience.”