People in Mylor Bridge settling down to watch the latest episode of Shetland on the BBC last night were shocked after an “exploding” electricity pylon caused a power cut.

It was reported that an electricity pylon in a field behind behind Bonython Close "blew up" and caught fire causing the power cut and a loud bang.

Some homes lost power for a few seconds while others were off for a few hours.

A spokesperson for the National Grid told the Packet that it had brought in generators that supplied power for 117 customers until power was restored.

They said: “There was a fault on our high voltage network last night that affected customers supplied from two substations.

“We have brought in generators that are currently supplying power for 117 customers.

“Our teams we will be working through this evening to fix the fault.

“We apologise to customers affected for the inconvenience this issue has caused.”

Margaret Edwards posted on the Mylor Life Facebook page: “It’s off on Passage Hill. I phoned the National Grid and they are sending someone to the sub-station. Right in the middle of Shetland on BBC too!!”

Laura Morrison posted: “Pylon exploded outside the back of the houses on Bonython, fire brigade just left after a hike up the field. Fire out. National grid on site.”

Leaim Nicholls, who works for the National Grid but lives in the village posted: “A wood pole caught fire, quite common as things age and breakdown. Our “pylons” are made from steel and technically called electrical towers.

“But there is a steel pole on the corner on Lemon Hill by the paper shop. Steel poles aren’t that common but used when you can’t put a back stay on and the conductors at the top are at an angle (steel doesn’t bend like wood poles).

“Luckily “pylons” don’t catch fire very often although still require regular maintenance which wood poles don’t get as often.”