The Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead has been forced to shut down its A&E department because of an electrical fault. All non-emergency surgery has been cancelled and ambulances are being turned away. The fault was reported in an electrical switching gear

The Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead has been forced to shut down its A&E department because of an electrical fault.

All non-emergency surgery has been cancelled and ambulances are being turned away.

The fault was reported in an electrical switching gear unit at 8.10 last night but it is not thought to be weather related.

A spokeswoman said its main computer system was down.

An investigation has been launched into its cause.

It is unknown how long the closure will last.

* More details to follow