Customers with internet bank cahoot have been unable to access their accounts since 8am on Wednesday due to a power cut in Spain.

The website for the group, which is part of Spanish banking giant Santander, went down on Wednesday and was still unavailable at lunchtime yesterday.

The problem meant customers had no way of accessing their accounts as the group's call centre was also not operating during the power cut. Regular direct debits and standing orders were also unpaid.

Customers will be sent an e-mail telling them how they can reclaim any money they have lost or penalties they have incurred as a result of the problems.

The internet site for Abbey, which is also part of Santander, was also affected but it was up and running more quickly.