There looks to be a BT fault that has caused a number of lines to drop PPP from around 11:56. We're investigating and awaiting more information.
Lines affected are in the NEWCASTLE/DURHAM/CARLISLE area
BT are aware and are investigating. This is affecting other service providers too.
From BT: "Our network team have raised [an issue] for a fire in the Newcastle node... obviously the fire will need to be put out and permission granted to enter and assess the damage when safe to do so." This will not be a quick fix....
We're seeing some lines come back online.
More from BT: We are currently experiencing a fire in one of our exchanges in Newcastle Upon Tyne. The fire brigade are on site and mains power to the site has been isolated. This is impacting all services in the area. All of our technical and emergency response teams are engaged and our Major Incident Management team are co-ordinating activities.
Most BT and TalkTalk affected lines are now back online.
Our customers are back online. BT have sent a further update: "The fire in our Exchange in Newcastle Upon Tyne has been extinguished and the fire brigade have left site. Power is being restored and we are now seeing services recover. Due to the staged restoration of the power, to ensure surges do not cause further disruption, you will not see all services restore at the same time. "
Outage was caused by a fire at a telephone exchange in Newcastle. Most lines reconnected shortly after 2PM.