Apology after Asda stores' card machines stop working

A machine glitch has caused havoc in Asda stores

The supermarket chain has apologised to customers, including those having problems in Waterlooville and Havant, after a problem with its card machines led to long queues at checkouts across the country.

Asda said it was working on the issue after scores of shoppers took to social media to complain about the delays.

People posted photos of cashiers using old-fashioned card-readers, while others said stores were only accepting cash.

Gordon Carr from Gateshead wrote on twitter: 'Thanks very much @asda I have lost my 'extra' hour today waiting at Boldon store as tills stopped working! 45 minutes with no explanation.'

Jim Bentley tweeted: '.@asda no backup, no redundancy system. We're just stood here like cattle waiting for your systems to start working again. On Sunday.'

Graeme Barbour wrote: 'Seems to be technical issue at #Basingstoke @asda - no tills taking card payments, only cash. Customers requested to draw cash from ATM.'

The retailer said it was 'aware of an issue' with their card payments and were 'working to fix it asap'.

They added: 'We're sorry for any inconvenience caused.'