THOUSANDS of people face a second night in darkness as energy company EDF Energy Networks battles to restore electricity supplies to parts of Bexley, Dartford and Orpington.

EDF says it hopes power will be restored to all remaining customers by the end of tomorrow evening, but says because of the complexity of the repairs, it is hard to be completely accurate.

Latest estimates are that power has already been restored to 31,000 customers since a fire, which may have been caused by vandals, damaged four major power cables yesterday lunchtime.

Another 45,000 have had access to some power for three-hour periods on a rota basis, while some people have still been completely without power today.

Key sites, including care homes, are being supplied with on-site generators.

The company says people in Dartford will be off supply until permanent repairs are made.

It says its engineers are though looking at the possibility of installing additional generators in some areas to supplement those already in place.

The rota connections will continue until the repairs are complete.

People can find out when an electricity supply will be available in their area by going to EDF's website at edfenergy.com or by calling its emergency contact centre on 0800 028 0247.

In a joint statement from the Met Police, Bexley Council, Bexley Care Trust, London Ambulance Service, EDF and the London Fire Brigade said they were are continuing to work together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Bexley residents.

Additional police patrols took place last night across Bexley and will continue until full power is restored.

The police say there has been no increase in road traffic collisions, crime or disorder.

Emergency services and hospitals in Bexley are also working as normal.

Bexley Council, which has only been able to take emergency calls as the civic offices have no power, says it is working to maintain essential services and support vulnerable residents.

The fire brigade is advising people to take particular care if using candles and portable heaters tonight during the power cut, and not to leave them unattended.

People should also test their smoke alarms to make sure they are working and replace the battery if necessary.

Bexley Care Trust says it is continuing to ensure that vulnerable people under its care are kept safe.

People with concerns about their health should continue to call local health services as normal.

If your GP is affected by the power failure, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 and for out-of-hours enquiries call Grabadoc on 020 8319 3030.

A spokesman for EDF said: "We do realise how difficult it is to be without power for such a long time.

"We are of course doing everything possible to restore supply as soon as possible and will continue to work around the clock to complete permanent repairs."