Police are investigating after an attempted cable theft left a hospital A&E department without power last night.

Ambulance crews were told not to bring patients to Margate's QEQM Hospital last night after a number of wards, including the emergency department, were plunged into darkness.

A police spokesman said: "Police were called at 9.08pm on Wednesday, February 20, to the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Ramsgate Road, Margate, following reports the site’s power lines had been damaged.

"Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are investigating the incident and appealing for anyone with information about the damage to come forward and assist them with their inquiries.

"Witnesses should call 01843 222289 quoting reference 20-1742 or Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111."

East Kent Hospitals University Trust chief executive Susan Acott has issued a statement.

It says:"The situation was caused by an attempted theft of electrical cables at QEQM shortly after 7pm. These cables connect the building to the backup emergency generator and were damaged along with other cables that control the power in part of the hospital.

"The Trust's UPS back-up systems for critical equipment maintained power which allowed staff to safely move patients to unaffected parts of the hospital. The hospital was supported by Kent Fire and Rescue teams providing emergency lighting.

"Staff were able to repair the damaged cables and reinstate power just before 11pm and the staff on site have worked quickly and safely to return to normal operating.

"A huge thank you to every member of staff working last night who made sure patient care was not compromised and worked hard to restore services as quickly as possible.

"Thank you too, to our colleagues at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust "

SECamb spokesman Rich Airey said: "About eight patients were diverted to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford during the time of the incident but the QEQM hospital was still taking critically-ill patients.

"Our Hazardous Area Response Team also worked with the hospital to move patients to unaffected areas in the site.

"We thank our hospital colleagues for their help to ensure patients were kept safe."

Power was restored at about 11pm.