COLCHESTER Zoo says it is unable to process card payments due to a "third-party technical issue".

The attraction says it is currently unable to process card payments at their admission tills and within the zoo.

This is due to a "global third-party technical issue with card payments", the exact cause of which is unknown.

Companies impacted have linked it to Microsoft PC operating system while a spokesman Australia's Home Affairs Minister said the outage appears to be related to an issue at global cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike.

London Stansted Airport have said "some retail payment machine services have been impacted" and they are also now doing some of their check-in services manually. 

Sky News UK's TV service is currently off air, though their online presence is still active, and other news organisations such as Radio 4 are now using paper printouts for their scripted bulletins.

A spokesman for Colchester Zoo said: "Please be aware of this before visiting and purchase admission tickets online where possible, we also recommend bringing cash with you if possible.

"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and understanding whilst this issue is resolved."