But Belco engineers managed to restore power within a matter of a few hours to the majority of homes affected.

Two power switches in the Collectors Hill area were hit directly by lightning just before midnight and a further 13 switches also tripped.

A Belco spokeswoman confirmed that normal service was resumed to the majority of homes by about 1 a.m., although about 400 properties had to wait a further four hours while engineers replaced the two switches hit directly by lightning.

MAN ATTACKED CRM Man attacked Police have revealed that a Paget man sustained a fractured cheekbone after an alleged unprovoked attack.

The incident took place in a fastfood restaurant on Court Street, Pembroke on Tuesday around 11:45 a.m.

The victim was apparently punched in the head and face in the unprovoked attack which landed him in King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment to the cheekbone, two black eyes and a bloody nose.

Police said the reason for the assault is unknown.

LIQUOR STOLEN CRM Liquor stolen Thieves made off with liquor and almost a VCR machine in three separate thefts on Tuesday.

A total of $372 worth of beer and spirits were removed from the storeroom of a restaurant in Flatts Village while a bottle of Cockspur rum and some vodka were taken from a private home on Harbour Road.

At the Harbour Road residence, the thief or thieves forced open a bathroom window and climbed in.

In a foiled burglary on Ord Road in Paget, the culprit removed a VCR machine and placed it on the floor. Police believe that the would-be thief was disturbed by a tenant who came home.

TRAFFIC SNARLS TFC Traffic snarls Police are asking motorists to exercise patience and cooperation when travelling along Middle Road, Warwick.

Use of temporary traffic lights, allowing single-line traffic, at the junction of Middle Road and Burnt House Hill is causing significant back-up, Police noted.

"Motorists' patience and cooperation are being solicited,'' a spokesman said.