A ROGUE tree branch has been blamed for causing overhead power lines to go up in flames.

Firefighters were called out to Byndes Corner in Pebmarsh following reports a group of trees had been set alight by sparks coming from faulty cables.

The fire was close to a house with a thatched roof but attending crews were able to watch the flames extinguish themselves.

The team remained at the scene for several hours before workman from UK Power Networks arrived to repair the damage.

A spokesman for the electricity supplier said a tree branch was responsible for damaging the cables and causing them to spark.

Five homes were left without electricity for more than an hour while workman repaired the damage.

The incident happened sometime after 8.30pm last Thursday.