Attractions shut and homes without power after fire

More than 50 homes were without power overnight and an aquarium and skatepark remain closed following a fire at an electricity substation.

The blaze on Weymouth seafront on Sunday afternoon sent a pall of thick, black smoke into the sky and forced the closure of Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park.

The Front Skatepark, which was closed at the time, praised the actions of a passing holidaymaker who alerted staff to the blaze and helped pour water on the ramps until firefighters arrived.

Sea Life said no people or animals were harmed in the incident.

Fire crews were called at 15:45 BST to the substation in Greenhill, between the skatepark and Sea Life, where the fire had spread to nearby trees and bushes.

More than 100 properties lost power and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said the last 50 homes were reconnected by 12:45 on Monday.

A statement from the skatepark, posted on social media, said: "We are thankful beyond words to our amazing fire crews who helped to save our ramps, and to our trustees and staff for stepping in to help with buckets of water to help drench the ramps before the fire crews were available to step in at our side."

The skatepark also gave "special thanks" to a man who was holidaying in Weymouth and alerted staff to the fire.

"He stepped in and helped to get water on the ramps," the statement said, adding: "We are extremely lucky and blessed to get through this day."

The skatepark said it would remain closed until the site had been assessed.

Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park said it would also remain closed on Monday.

It said in a statement: "The fire was contained to an outside area and did not spread to the aquarium buildings.

"No employees or guests were harmed in this incident and all animals remain safe and well in our care."

SSEN said it was working with the fire service to investigate the cause of the blaze.

A spokesperson said: "Shortly before 12:45 this afternoon, power was restored to the last remaining customers who lost supplies.

"Our engineers have worked hard to safely restore power by re-routing the network or providing alternative generation."