DANGLING power lines have sent sparks flying and caused gridlock in Southampton.

Emergency services are on the scene at Franconia Drive this afternoon after an incident involving two power lines.

The surrounding area is currently "gridlocked" according to one witness.

Daniel Cunningham described the moment he saw "sparks flying" while out looking to buy a carpet.

READ MORE: Sparking power lines cause gridlock on M271 - Live

He said: "I was getting a carpet when I heard and saw these sparks.

"I didn't think much of it because I thought they might be doing some welding.

"It was only when I started walking up that I realised people had their phones out.

"I saw that a powerline was dangling slightly and was hitting the other which was causing all these sparks to fly.

"They have shut the road and it is now gridlock in both directions.

"There were delays on the M271."

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) teams "immediately attended" the scene after receiving a report of a fault.

A spokesperson said: "We'd like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank our customers for their patience as our engineers worked to restore supplies as quickly and as safely as possible."

Firefighters were called to the scene just before 3pm this afternoon.

Teams from Hightown and Totton arrived to find the two cables arcing and electric network officers were called to the scene.

A spokesperson from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: "Hightown and Totton firefighters were called shortly before 3pm after sparking electric cables were reported on Franconia Drive in Southampton.

"Crews arrived to find the two affected power cables arcing and electric network officers were called to the scene.

"Police were requested to manage the traffic as HIWFRS made the scene safe by cordoning off the area.

"Crews are now leaving the scene having handed the incident over to the electricity network."

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