A massive power outage has plunged southwestern Berlin into darkness, leaving around 50,000 households without electricity.

The blackout, caused by a cable fire near a power station in the borough of Lichterfelde, is suspected to be a politically motivated arson attack.

Residents in the affected areas of the German capital now face freezing winter temperatures, as repairs could take days.

A police investigation is underway after a letter claimed responsibility, with reports linking it to the far-left Vulkangruppe (Volcano Group).