NUCLEAR power group British Energy has warned of a further blow to its troubled finances following shutdowns at two of its plants.

The group, which last month agreed a restructuring deal, said the resulting loss of output was likely to have a material impact.

The announcement follows the shutdown of both reactors at Heysham 1, in Lancashire, following the failure on Tuesday of a seawater cooling pipe in the turbine hall. There was no radiation released.

Tests have also found an "unusual indication" at Sizewell B, in Suffolk, although British Energy said it was unlikely that invasive repairs would be needed. Both plants are due to returnto service in mid-November.

British Energy said the loss of output meant it would need to replace about 0.8 terrawatt-hours of power that had already been sold to customers. Annual output from the company's eight UK sites is about 65 terrawatt-hours.

A statement from the company said: "The financial impact of these events is likely to be material."

The company did not specify the cost. However, the problems come at a time when the East Kilbride company is battling to get its finances back on track after a slump in power prices sent it to the brink of insolvency.