THE emergency services were called to the scene of a reported explosion in Middlesbrough town centre on Wednesday night.

Police and fire crews were called to Albert Road at about 9.30pm.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said the incident was caused by a fault on an underground electricity cable, which caused a power cut in the area when it blew.

"There are no injuries of damage of note, except to the cable itself and perhaps and paving slab," he added.

The road was closed while gas and electricity company officials assess the situation.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Fire Brigade said the incident was reported to them as an explosion.

It is believed several people in the area at the time heard the blast and called the emergency services.