The town of Diss was plunged into further misery this morning after the electricity supply suddenly cut out at 11.15am. As lights went out and computers shut down, the streets became full of people shut out of shops, and were unable to work.

The town of Diss was plunged into further misery this morning after the electricity supply suddenly cut out at 11.15am.

As lights went out and computers shut down, the streets became full of people shut out of shops, and were unable to work.

Blame for the power cut immediately fell on county council contractors building a new roundabout on the A1066 Victoria Road.

Since work started in June, the town has seen traffic slowed to a standstill and on Tuesday this week the town became gridlocked after temporary traffic lights were installed.

The county council apologised for disruption and said in hindsight more could have been done to warn motorists, and switched to night working.

There was suspicion today that power cables had been cut through, but contractors working on site denied any responsibility for the power cut. Another rumour was that a major cable had been cut in Dickleburgh, three miles north of Diss. A spokeswoman for EDF energy said the company was investigating.

People in Diss have been told that power would not be restored until 2.30pm at the earliest.