Nearly a million people have been affected by a major power cut across large areas of England and Wales, affecting homes and transport networks.

National Grid said it was caused by issues with two power generators but the problem was now resolved.

Blackouts were reported across the Midlands, the South East, South West and North East of England, and Wales.

Hundreds of people were stranded at King’s Cross station as trains were delayed and cancelled.

Traffic lights in some areas also stopped working.

The Department for Transport, said: “Today’s power outage has had knock on impacts on travel.

“We’re working hard with Network Rail and others to ensure systems are up and running as quickly as possible, so that everyone can complete their journeys safely.”

At the height of the Friday rush hour, all trains out of King’s Cross were suspended and remained so for most of the evening.

Passenger Zoe Hebblethwaite said the situation outside the station was “absolute mayhem” and that passengers “couldn’t find an assistant to speak to”.

The BBC’s Emma Petrie said there was an announcement asking passengers to leave the station.

By 21:00 BST, more than 1,000 passengers appeared to be stranded at King’s Cross, with London North Eastern Railway and National Rail advising customers against all travel for the rest of the day.

Later on, some LNER trains were running southbound into King’s Cross, and services to Stevenage and Peterborough from London also resumed, but not further up the East Coast Main Line.

Boards at Waterloo station showed no trains departing on any platforms.

Harriet Jackson, 26, said there was an “apocalyptic” scene on Northcote Road, in Battersea, when traffic lights cut out and cars were not stopping.

“Given it’s a Friday afternoon, it’s the last thing you want to encounter,” she said.