Politicians and financial experts were tonight quick to offer reassurance to investors in troubled Northern Rock.

Northern Rock today sought financial assistance from the Bank of England after becoming a victim of the global crisis in the lending market.

Tonight, treasury select committee chairman John McFall said its problems were temporary.

He said: "I don't think customers of Northern Rock should be worried about their current accounts or mortgages."

And Justin Urquhart Stewart, of Seven Investment Management, said: "It is a short-term cash flow problem."