MORE than 3,500 homes were left without electricity last night after a plane hit power cables before landing at Oxford Airport.

The A4095, between the junction with the A4250 and the Upper Campsfield Road junction, was due to be closed for part of today after the plane struck the cable.

The incident happened at just after 7.15pm. The aircraft landed safely at the airport and there were no injuries to either of the two people on the aircraft or people on the ground.

Police closed the road to assess the situation and it will remain closed until the power cable is fixed.

Julian Reeves, a spokesman for Southern Electric, said: "It was amazingly fortunate that the plane was able to land safely after hitting the cable, and the airport then reported the incident to us.

"Most of the customers in the area who were affected had power restored within an hour, with supplies back on for the last few customers before 9pm.

"Part of the A4095 will remain closed for some of today while we repair the cable, which carries 33,000 volts."