CONSUMERS across Europe had their credit or debit cards declined yesterday after a technical problem which affected Visa transactions.

Visa Europe, based in London, discovered the problem after some customers complained about being unable to make payments.

People across Europe were affected by the glitch, which meant they could not pay for goods in shops or hotels.

A spokesman for Visa Europe said the problem was "minimal" in the UK and most people would not have noticed because a back-up system was in place by midday.

The full service was back up and running by 3.30pm. The spokesman was unable to put a figure on the number of people affected, but it is estimated that hundreds had their cards refused. Visa apologised those affected by the problem.