MANHOLE covers were reportedly blown open in Poole yesterday (April 24) due to an underground fire.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to Ashley Road in Poole at around 12.28pm.

The road was closed at the junction with Mansfield Road and Victoria Road, and people were advised to avoid the area while the crew attended the scene.

“A crew from Westbourne attended and an underground fire was identified, which had affected at least four manhole covers and caused some loss of power in the immediate area,” a spokesperson said.

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“Anyone who has lost their electricity supply is asked to report it by calling 105.”

They added: “Firefighters maintained a cordon until it was safe for us to leave. Our stop came in at 2.10pm and we are no longer on scene.

“One fire was extinguished, and engineers from SSEN are continuing with their repairs.”