Thousands of Redbridge residents were left without working phones, internet and television for three days after workers in Goodmayes accidentally cut a Virgin Media cable.

Services blacked out on Wednesday and finally resumed on Saturday afternoon.

National Grid said staff carrying out “vital gas mains repair work” in Goodmayes Road had caused the problem.

A spokesman said: “Despite taking reasonable steps to detect cables, a fibre optic cable was cut during the work.

“We informed Virgin Media of the incident as soon as we became aware and apologise for any inconvenience this incident caused.

“An investigation into the incident is being conducted.”

Virgin Media said they worked “round the clock” to repair the damage.

A spokesman said: “Our engineers were on site within the hour but we apologise for the inconvenience whilst the necessary work was carried out.”