Thousands of Fulham homes seemed to disappear last night (January 22) after a power cut plunged the entire area into darkness.

Baron’s Court and West Kensington tube stations were closed and traffic lights went blank just before 8pm causing long tailbacks through the borough as residents described eerie scenes reminiscent of blackouts in the 70s.

Police were called to all major junctions and patrols were stepped up to reassure those living in the area while Hammersmith and Fulham Council also had more wardens on the streets.

UK Power Networks has launched an investigation today into the cause of the blackout which lasted over two hours and has been blamed on a fault in high-voltage underground cables.

Anger and confusion reigned in the borough but many Fulham-ites used the situation to take the mickey out of themselves and the area, which is home to some of London’s most wealthy inhabitants.

Ben Wiltshire said: “46 minutes into the Fulham powercut and things are desperate, there’s quinoa all over the floor and no one can find the maid to clean it up!”

Daily Mail feature writer Guy Adams, added: “There is a power cut here in Fulham. We are cooking fettuccine by the light of some scented candles.”

Not one to miss a chance to get a political swipe in, Greg Hands, MP for Chelsea and Fulham, said; “Power cut in my part of Fulham. Time to tell the kids all about life in the 1979s and the danger of another Labour government.”

A spokesman for UK Power Networks, said: “UK Power Networks would like to apologise to several thousand customers in the Fulham Palace Road area who were affected by a power cut this evening.

“A fault on the high-voltage underground electricity network occurred at 7.48pm. The cause is being investigated but our engineers worked as quickly and as safely as possible on rerouting supplies via other cables. The final supplies were restored at 10.20pm.

“We appreciate how difficult it can be to lose power and apologise for the inconvenience caused by this incident.”

The two tube stations re-opened at 9.50pm and peace was again restored to Fulham.