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Passengers have reported 'chaos and mass delays' at Bristol Airport after a power failure in the terminal.

Flights have been grounded and some passengers were reported to have been told to wait outside the terminal building.

The airport said it had engineers on site attempting to fix the problem, and that some power to the building had been restored.

Keeping warm: Passengers said they were asked to wait outside the terminal as it began to fill up

A statement if Twitter explained: 'A power failure in the terminal is causing delays to flights. Engineers are working to fix the problem. We apologise to passengers affected.

'Power has been partially restored to the terminal but some systems remain affected.'

Passengers with hand baggage have been told they can proceed through security while staff check flights in order of their departure time.

Paul Raymond, who was waiting to fly to Spain, told the BBC the terminal was in darkness when he arrived at 3.10am.

He said: 'For a short time they were telling people just to leave the terminal building. There is nothing - no computers, no security - nothing is operating at all.'

Crowds: Rob Howells reported 'chaos' at the airport as flights were grounded

Passengers took to social media to vent their frustration at the situation.

Barry Wilkinson wrote on Twitter at 4.46am: 'No power or running water at Bristol Airport, has been for 2hrs. People keep arriving so the place is filling, but no progress. Avoid!'

An hour later, Josh Baker tweeted: 'Power cut in Bristol Airport has thrown a spanner in the works, supposed to boarding the plane in 15 minutes'.

Lleu Williams posted a photograph of the airport packed with waiting passengers at 6.52am.

'Mass delays': Staff were on hand to help organise passengers who were stranded at the airport

'Chaos and mass delays at Bristol Airport as a power outage cancels flights,' he tweeted.

Keith Vivian Evans wrote on Twitter: 'Power cut Bristol airport. 2 hour delay chaos.'

Airline easyJet also tweeted passengers to let them know that staff on the ground would be able to help them.

Replying to user shaunwpettitt, the airline said: 'We are sorry to hear about the difficulties at Bristol Airport this morning. Our cutsomer relations team @easyJet can assist' [sic].