Net links down as power lines cut

Scores of businesses, some schools and a hospital were without internet and other computer systems today after power lines were severed.

Due to the problems Expressandstar.com is only able to offer a limited service until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Virgin Media said a break in its system near the University of Wolverhampton had knocked out services at several businesses, leaving thousands of people without access.

Five schools were affected as Wolverhampton City Council's system went down this morning citing a "major power breakdown".

Low Hill Primary, Whitgreave Primary, Westcroft, Underhill Primary and Oxley Primary were all affected, as was the entire Civic Centre, the council's Pendeford IT base and its social care site at New Cross Hospital.

The Express & Star's own system was also out of service at offices in West Bromwich, Dudley, Stourbridge, Kidderminster and Cannock.

Deputy IT manager for Midland News Association Simon Welch said it was a major problem affecting many businesses across the city.

"It has not affected production of the newspaper as we have back-up systems in place. But we imagine it will be down for the most of the day," he said.

It is believed a fibre, just the width of a hair, has broken somewhere. It is not known whether the break was caused deliberately.