MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — In some ways, 10-year-old Giancarlo is one of the lucky ones. He still goes to school.

Each morning, he and his family bundle up and leave their Minneapolis apartment to wait for his bus. His little brother hefts on his backpack, even though he stopped going to day care weeks ago because his mom is too afraid to take him.

As they wait behind a wrought-iron fence, Giancarlo’s mother pulls the boys into the shadow of a tree to pray. It’s the only time she stops scanning the street for immigration agents.

“God, please protect my son when he’s not at home,” she says in Spanish. She spoke with The Associated Press on condition of partial anonymity for the family, because she fears being targeted by immigration authorities.

For many immigrant families in Minnesota, sending a child to school requires faith that federal immigration officers deployed around the state won’t detain them. Thousands of children are staying home, often for lack of door-to-door transportation — or simply trust.

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The fear has turned into reality. Many parents and some children have been detained, including 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, who with his father, originally from Ecuador, was taken into custody in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights as he was arriving home from school. They were sent to a detention facility in Texas but returned after a judge ordered their release.

Schools, parents and community groups have mobilized to help students get to class so they can learn, socialize and have steady access to meals. And for those who are still sending their children, the trip to and from school is one of the only risks they’re willing to take.

“I don’t feel safe with him going to school,” Giancarlo’s mother said, shaking her head. “But every day he wakes up and wants to go. He wants to be with his friends.”

School remains a haven in a time of tumult

Giancarlo’s Minneapolis elementary school is the best thing going for him these days. There’s soccer to play at recess. The recorder to learn. Giancarlo has set his eyes on learning the flute next year when fifth graders choose an instrument. He has “demasiado” — “too many” — best friends to name.

But his mother and brother’s home confinement weighs on him. He saves half the food he gets at school breakfast and lunch to share with them, and he’s lost four pounds this year. He takes extra care to bring pizza or hamburgers, treats the family used to eat in restaurants when his mom, an asylum-seeker from Latin America, was still working and they felt safe leaving the house. Giancarlo has also applied for asylum and his brother, Yair, has U.S. citizenship.

Sometimes only seven of Giancarlo’s classmates show up when there should be close to 30. “The teachers cry,” he said. “It’s sad.”

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Under longstanding guidance that was thrown out by the Trump administration, schools and other “sensitive places” such as hospitals and churches previously were considered off-limits for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and other immigration officials. Children, no matter their immigration status, have a constitutional right to attend public school.

This winter, school absenteeism and the demand for online learning have surged as immigration officers showed up in school parking lots.

In St. Paul, over 9,000 students were absent on Jan. 14, more than a quarter of the 33,000-student district, according to data obtained by the AP. In Fridley, a Minneapolis suburb, school attendance has dropped by nearly a third, according to a lawsuit the district filed this week trying to block immigration enforcement operations near schools.

Kids sent letters to St. Paul Superintendent Stacie Stanley begging her to offer online learning. Her voice shook as she read a letter from an elementary school student: “I don’t feel safe coming to school because of ICE.”

When the district introduced a temporary virtual learning option, over 3,500 students enrolled in the first 90 minutes. That number has since risen to more than 7,500 students.

An escort from school — and assurance for a small girl

After school on Wednesday, around 20 teachers and a retired principal packed into the front office at Valley View Elementary School — where Liam Conejo Ramos attends prekindergarten — for a briefing before walking home children who live nearby. School officials say several other students and over two dozen parents have been detained.

“We live in a place where ICE is everywhere,” said Rene Argueta, the school’s family liaison. Argueta, himself an immigrant from El Salvador, organized the teachers walking and driving students to and from their homes.

The day before, the group had run into federal officers in the neighborhood at dismissal time. Argueta felt it necessary to calm some of the teachers upset by the encounter.

“Your only goal is to bring the students home, no matter what you see,” he told the group. “We don’t approach ICE. We don’t take out our phones.”

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After distributing walkie-talkies, Argueta and two other teachers met a group of 12 kids waiting for them in the hallway. Argueta took the hand of the youngest child, a boy in prekindergarten, and led the group outside.

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Toward the back of the line, second grade teacher Jenna Scott chatted with a former student, now a third grader. She tried to keep the conversation light.

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“I’m so excited to see your house,” Scott told her.

“Have you signed up for parent-teacher conference?”

“No, miss. ICE,” the girl said.

“I know. Tell your parents you can do it online this time.”

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The third grader then ran to her home. Afterward, Scott said the 10-minute walk is a delicate dance. “You don’t want to scare the kids, but you also want them to walk quickly.”

The day before, Argueta said, they were walking the students home when they heard cars honking to warn that immigration agents were nearby. One little girl who was walking ahead started to panic and ran back toward Argueta.

“ICE viene,” or “ICE is coming,” she yelled.

He took her hand and kept walking. She asked if he was afraid.

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No, he said.

She asked if he had papers, if he was in the country legally. Argueta has a green card and permission to work, but he lied. He told her he didn’t, so she wouldn’t feel alone.

Her hand relaxed in his. She smiled again.

He held her hand until they got to her doorstep and she went inside with her mother.

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ONE of the UK’s first ever American-style shopping centre is set to be demolished after 43 years in business.

The space, which contains multiple vacant units, will be torn down to make way for a new development featuring housing, green spaces, and leisure facilities.

Ridings Shopping Centre in Wakefield will be demolished as part of a city centre revamp, with the local council agreeing to buy the site.

The centre, which first opened in 1983, is now less than two thirds occupied, with the site’s M&S recently announcing its relocation.

Wakefield Council said it also expected Primark to announce plans to leave the site.

Deputy council leader Jack Hemingway explained the authority wanted to create “an economy that’s sustainable and has a future, and that’s why the Ridings has got to change.”

MALL FALL

‘Another blow’ for busy UK shopping centre that’s set to be DEMOLISHED

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SHOPPING MAUL

Retro 60s shopping centre in ‘lifeless’ English town is BULLDOZED

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He revealed the government was providing £17.9 million towards “a once in a generation opportunity to transform the city centre”.

“The Ridings is looking dated now, it’s a shopping centre from the 1980s and high streets are changing and it’s right that we look at that,” he said.

The development to the city’s Cathedral Quarter will include a new public square and green spaces, as well as a cinema, library, museum, and car parking.

In addition to the shopping centre’s demolition, 260 separate flats will also be knocked down.

The council previously backed out of a deal to buy the centre in 2023, when it was purchased by Zahid Iqbal, who has now agreed to sell it for an undisclosed amount.

Regeneration specialist Muse is said to lead the development, which also includes 1,000 new sustainable, affordable, and private homes.

The development is expected to take 10 years to complete, with no date confirmed for the closure of the shopping centre.

Businesses within the shopping centre have been told the council will help them find alternative premises if they plan to stay in Wakefield.

The new Reform councillor was previously a member of the Conservative Party

Reform UK has taken a seat from Plaid Cymru in the party’s north Wales heartlands in a council by-election. Reform now has its first councillor on Isle of Anglesey County Council after Celfyn Furlong was elected as the new councillor for the Ynys Gybi ward.

It comes after Nigel Farage announced Reform’s leader in Wales in Newport on Thursday. Dan Thomas, a former Tory leader of a greater London council who was born in Blackwood, was named as the person who will be leading Reform into May’s Senedd election.

Celebrating his party’s “sensational” by-election victory overnight, the new leader said Reform will be fighting for every single vote “from the former Labour heartlands to the former Plaid heartlands.”

It was a comfortable victory for Reform, with candidate Celfyn Furlong receiving 603 votes compared to Plaid Cymru candidate Bethan Pari Jones’ 343. The turnout for the election was 33.3%.

According to the Isle of Anglesey County Council website, Mr Furlong was a registered member of the Conservative Party from January 1 to May 31, 2025.

The by-election was triggered after long-serving Plaid Cymru councillor and Football Association of Wales (FAW) president Trefor Lloyd Hughes MBE died in November.

In a post made after his victory, newly-elected councillor Furlong paid tribute to Mr Hughes and said that the result sends a “clear message” that “people want change”. Always keep on top of the latest Welsh news with our newsletter

He said: “Before anything else, I want to pay tribute to the late Trefor Lloyd Hughes MBE. A man who gave Ynys Gybi, Ynys Môn and indeed Wales, years of service. A talisman that will never be forgotten. Tonight I accept this seat with respect for his legacy, and with determination to serve the people as he did.

“I am absolutely humbled and honoured to have been elected to represent Ynys Gybi. Thank you to everyone who put their trust in me and to everyone who came out to vote for me.

“This result sends a clear message. People want change, and people want common sense back in local politics.

“A huge thank you to my campaign team, supporters, family and all polling staff. None of this would be possible without you.

“Now the real work begins. I will work hard every day to stand up for our community.

“Ynys Gybi voted Reform. Ynys Gybi will have Reform”

Mr Thomas, the new leader of Reform Wales, said: “This is a sensational victory for Reform, and it shows that we can win absolutely anywhere here in Wales. From the former Labour heartlands to the former Plaid heartlands, we are fighting for every single vote so we can deliver the change Wales desperately needs.”

Here are the full results of the Ynys Gybi by-election:

• BOUNDS, Nick, Green Party: 118
• FURLONG, Celfyn Wyn, Reform: 603 ELECTED
• JOHN, Margaret Fredericka, Conservative: 112
• JONES, Bethan Pari, Plaid Cymru: 343
• ROBERTS, Mary Elizabeth, Labour: 171
• WILLIAMS, Robert, Independent: 26

A WhatsApp “vulnerability” was discovered recently by Google’s Project Zero team, where a malicious media file is automatically being downloaded to users’ phones.

Hackers create group chats on the app, and once a user accepts the invitation, the file is sent to their device without them even knowing it.

Malwarebytes adds: “The bug affects WhatsApp on Android and involves zero‑click media downloads in group chats.

“You can be attacked simply by being added to a group and having a malicious file sent to you.”

WhatsApp launches new privacy protection feature

WhatsApp has now launched a new, lockdown-style feature called Strict Account Settings.

If you turn this feature on, it will lock certain account settings on the app to the most restrictive.

WhatsApp explained: “It will limit how your WhatsApp works in some ways, like blocking attachments and media from people not in your contacts.”

How to turn on Strict Account Settings on WhatsApp

Strict Account Settings began rolling out on WhatsApp late last month.

To activate, head to settings, click privacy, then advanced. And that’s it, easy as that.

WhatsApp added: “Strict Account Settings is one of many ways we’re working to protect you from the most sophisticated of cyber threats.

“We’ve also rolled out a programming language called Rust behind the scenes to help keep your photos, videos, and messages safe from things like spyware, so you can share and chat with confidence.”

Your WhatsApp messages are private. We use the open-source Signal protocol to encrypt them.

•⁠ ⁠Encryption happens on your device
•⁠ ⁠Messages are encrypted before leaving your device
•⁠ ⁠⁠Only the intended recipient has the keys to decrypt messages
•⁠ ⁠The…

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— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) January 27, 2026

It continued: “At WhatsApp, we think you should be able to have a private conversation online, just like you would in-person.

“We will always defend that right to privacy for everyone.”

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Other ways to protect against ‘malicious’ WhatsApp bug

Another way to prevent unwanted files from being downloaded onto your phone via bugs on WhatsApp is to switch off auto-download (for media), according to Malwarebytes.

To do that, head to settings and click chats, then switch off ‘Media visibility’ (Android) or ‘Save to Photos’ (Apple iOS).

A cordon is in place in Northern Moor, Manchester, this morning

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was killed on a Wythenshawe street. Officers were called out to Southwick Road, in Northern Moor, at around 11.35pm on Thursday night (February 6).

The Manchester Evening News understands a man in his 20s was stabbed. Greater Manchester Police says it received reports of a man seriously injured in the street.

He tragically died at the scene. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody for questioning this morning (Friday).

Two forensic tents are in place at the scene today, with a silver car partially covered. A second car was seen being removed from the scene earlier this morning, witnesses told the M.E.N.

Residents living close to the scene saw a large police presence overnight. Forensics investigators have been seen gathering evidence.

One neighbour told the M.E.N.: “I came out this morning to take my partner to the tram stop and I saw the tent up. I knew straight away someone had died. You could just tell. I just can’t believe it. Nothing ever happens here. I’m just shocked. Really shocked. It’s a bit scary as well.”

Another resident living close to the scene added: “I didn’t see or hear anything last night. I just came out this morning with the kids and saw it all here. I had to ask if I was allowed out to take them to school… I’m stunned. It’s really scary.”

Witnesses are being urged to come forward with any information as the murder investigation takes shape. A GMP spokesperson said: “At around 11.35pm last night (Thursday, February 6 2026), we were called to reports of a seriously injured man on Southwick Road in Northern Moor, Wythenshawe.

“Officers attended the scene and located a man in his 20s, who sadly died at the scene. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody for questioning. Investigations are ongoing.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact GMP on 101 or online using Live Chat, quoting log number 3832 of February 5, 2026. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Six Nations got under way on Thursday night and the media were unimpressed by the Irish

France have blown the Six Nations wide open on night one – and if this is the standard, the rest may be playing for second.

Fabien Galthié’s side tore Ireland apart 36-14 in Paris, running riot in a first half that left Andy Farrell’s men 22-0 down and clinging on. From London to Dublin to Paris, the verdict was emphatic: France were irresistible, Ireland were overwhelmed.

Here’s how the media reacted.

Daily Mail – France deliver ‘iron fists wrapped in velvet gloves’

Nik Simon painted a picture of a French side out for revenge and brimming with swagger.

“Woe for Ireland. The sorry men in green looked like a team who felt the force of iron fists wrapped in velvet gloves from the Champs Elysees.”

France’s blend of brutality and brilliance left Ireland reeling, with Simon adding: “Ireland looked like a shadow of their former selves. Their confidence is tumbling and their team lacked gravitas, losing the physical battle in almost every area.”

On Antoine Dupont’s return, the tone was ominous for the rest of Europe: “If the French can master the science of the 80-minute performance then nobody in Europe will be able to stop them in this form.”

The Times – ‘Sliced and diced’ in a ‘merciless’ Parisian execution

Alex Lowe described it as a calculated killing.

“France killed off Ireland with a devastating display… sliced and diced by Les Bleus.

“They carved open Andy Farrell’s men with the precision of a surgeon’s knife. It was merciless.”

France’s skill level was hailed as “other-worldly” as they surged 29-0 ahead, denying Ireland “a foothold in the game”. By the time Ireland rallied, it was cosmetic.

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The Guardian – ‘Ravenous hosts’ serve up a treat

Robert Kitson suggested Irish fans might have preferred not to watch at all.

“Irish fans would probably have preferred a total 80-minute blackout… instead those back at home had to watch the visitors being repeatedly sliced and diced by seemingly ravenous hosts.”

He warned the championship: “It is going to take a seriously good team to beat France in Paris.”

France’s attacking play was labelled “sublime”, while Ireland were left with “bruised pride” despite a “gallant response”.

Midi Olympique – ‘A resounding no!’ to Irish revenge

In France, the tone was triumphant.

Pierre Sarniguet dismissed any notion of Irish payback:

“Would they be up to the task of defeating Dupont’s team? We now have the answer: no, and a resounding no!”

The first half was described as near-perfect: “Not a single penalty conceded, not a single missed tackle… incisive runs tore the Irish defence apart.”

The stats underlined the dominance – 860 metres gained, 19 line breaks, 41 defenders beaten – as Jalibert was hailed as “imperious”.

L’Equipe – Ireland ‘spin-dried by the French machine’

Karim Ben Ismail delivered perhaps the most brutal metaphor of the night.

“The Irish rugby players we saw… resembled those glasses that have lost their shine… Spin-dried by the French machine.”

He warned that Ireland’s struggles may run deeper: “Unable to reinvent themselves since the 2023 World Cup, the Irish team appears to have begun a worrying decline.”

For a nation that has set the benchmark in recent seasons, that is a stinging assessment.

The Telegraph – ‘Blitzkrieg’ brilliance ends the rivalry – for now

Gavin Mairs declared the rivalry on hold.

“France have laid down an intimidating, brilliant marker… such was the blitzkrieg manner in which they swept Ireland away.”

He suggested the balance of power has shifted decisively: “The days of the compelling French-Irish rivalry in the championship appear to be over for now.”

And from Shaun Edwards came the line that will echo across Europe: “When we are on it in attack, it is a joy to watch.”

Irish Independent – ‘Humiliating defeat’ narrowly avoided

Back home, Cian Tracey admitted Ireland were staring into the abyss.

“At 29-0 to the good, the French party was under way, and Ireland were staring down the barrel of a humiliating defeat.”

While the fightback offered “positives in this Jekyll and Hyde performance”, the early damage was too severe.

Irish Examiner – ‘Irresistible French rugby’

Simon Lewis called it a “rugby masterclass”.

“At times the 2023 and 2024 champions could not compete with some irresistible French rugby.”

France were “simply too clinical” and left Ireland “chasing shadows”.

Chinese New Year is celebrated in communities all over the world

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The Chinese New Year celebration is all about saying goodbye to the old and the negative, and embracing the new and the positive. This significant event is marked by Chinese communities worldwide.

It signifies the end of winter and heralds the promise of new beginnings. Unlike the Western New Year, which follows the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, resulting in a different date each year. In 2026, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 17.

This date will bring in the Year of the Fire Horse, a period associated with optimism and opportunity, with robust public and investor confidence indicating potential economic growth. In Chinese culture, the Horse is recognised for its dynamic and energetic characteristics. It embodies vitality, speed, and determination.

According to horoscope predictions, the year of the Horse will bring in financial gains for four signs.

Tiger

Expect career and travel opportunities. Adaptability and openness to new surroundings will be key. Maintaining emotional balance and clear communication will enable you to capitalise on this active phase.

The Tiger holds the title of king amongst all creatures in China, symbolising strength, courage and the power to ward off evil. Youngsters often wear tiger-themed hats or footwear to attract good fortune.

Come 2026, those born under this sign can expect a flourishing financial outlook, featuring consistent earnings, backing from supporters, and fortunate windfalls. Your professional life will flourish this year, with your leadership abilities driving impressive progress and results.

Your growing influence will help you shine and capitalise on chances for advancement and pay rises.

Rabbit

This year brings tremendous backing from celestial forces including “Tian De”, “Fu Xing,” and “Ba Zuo” ushering in supportive connections and financial prospects. Through consistent work and prudent spending habits, you can gradually strengthen your financial reserves.

Regarding money matters, winter or spring present promising investment windows, with spring proving especially favourable for monetary gains, whilst surprise financial blessings may materialise as the year concludes. Despite healthy earnings, frivolous expenditure should be avoided.

Career-wise, 2026 promises steady progression for you, though autumn may bring some uncertainty, demanding sustained dedication.

Goat

Throughout 2026, your monetary outlook will flourish owing to the correspondence of your birth year with the present year, alongside the fortune of the favourable Green Dragon star.

Beyond standard earnings, you’ll additionally witness considerable profits from secondary investments. Earlier investments in property and shares will yield substantial dividends, delivering tremendous satisfaction.

During 2026, your professional life will enjoy consistent progression. Whether you’re employed or self-employed, your earlier dedication and commitment will deliver notable benefits.

Rooster

Your monetary circumstances in 2026 are anticipated to strengthen. Your standard income possibilities appear encouraging, with opportunities for pay rises and multiple bonuses.

Business owners amongst you will witness significant earnings. You’ll manage to advance your company’s achievements and secure acknowledgement and career elevation.

From April 2029, pension contributions made through salary sacrifice above £2,000 a year will no longer be exempt from national insurance contributions (NICs) – a move announced in the Budget.

Salary sacrifice schemes, widely used by employers, allow workers to swap part of their pay for higher pension contributions, cutting NICs while keeping take-home pay steady and boosting retirement savings.

But under the new rules, any pension contributions sacrificed above £2,000 will be treated like ordinary pension payments and hit with both employer and employee NICs, slashing the tax advantage.

Former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb has now sounded the alarm, pointing to a new document from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggesting the fallout could spread far wider.

Sir Steve says: “This was a huge Budget change that will force employers to rethink pay and pensions. The OBR makes clear the impact won’t stop at those contributing over £2,000.”

Millions already set to lose

Figures released by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show around 3.3 million pension savers are already on course to be directly affected.

In total, 7.7 million employees currently use salary sacrifice to pay into their pension, with 3.3 million sacrificing more than £2,000 in salary or bonuses each year.

The OBR warned that how employers and workers respond is “highly uncertain”, opening the door to unintended consequences.

Warning: even those under £2,000 could be hit

Sir Steve, now a partner at consultants Lane Clark & Peacock (LCP), said the changes could backfire badly.

“Far from ordinary workers being ‘protected’, we could see millions of people on modest incomes losing out, further undermining their incentive to save into a pension,” he said.

He added that some workers contributing less than £2,000 could still lose out if employers respond by holding down future pay rises or reducing contractual salaries.

Employers may freeze pay or rethink pensions

The OBR noted that firms could try to recreate tax benefits by increasing pension contributions instead of wage growth, or by lowering base pay in exchange for higher employer pension payments.

It also highlighted the risk of costs being “passed through” to workers – affecting salaries, bonuses or pension generosity.

In some cases, employers may scrap salary sacrifice schemes altogether, hitting entire workforces rather than just higher earners.

Industry fears ‘new era of under-saving’

Daniel Gallon, head of taxation at the Association of British Insurers, said the changes could ripple across the workforce.

“The OBR’s analysis shows the impact could reach far more people than expected,” he said.

A survey by the ABI and Reba found 99% of businesses expect to be affected, with many bracing for extra admin, reduced benefits and pressure on pension contributions.

“It’s a clear warning sign that constant tinkering with the tax system risks opening the door to a new era of pension under-saving,” Mr Gallon added.

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A Treasury spokesperson defended the move, saying behavioural impacts were already factored in.

“Our reforms protect 95% of workers earning under £30,000 who use salary sacrifice, while tackling costs that were set to treble to £8 billion as high earners piled in bonuses tax-free,” they said.

But critics warn the real-world impact may be far broader – and that ordinary workers could pay the price.

UK broadband provider VISPA has ceased trading and plans to commence liquidation proceedings, sending an email to customers advising them to cancel direct debits and find a new ISP immediately.

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UK broadband company VISPA has informed its customers that it has ceased operations and advised them to ‘cancel direct debits’. The long-standing provider announced plans to “commence liquidation proceedings” in an email sent to its subscribers.

Established in 1999, VISPA instructed its customers to “immediately” find an alternative broadband provider, as reported by ISPreview.

The company offered a variety of Openreach-based broadband packages and had recently branched out into full fibre (FTTP) broadband networks, while also running its own Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network.

However, ISPreview had previously pointed out several issues plaguing the company, including outstanding debts, complications with the firm’s registered address, and negative reviews on Trustpilot, reports the Express.

The publication has now disclosed that numerous VISPA customers received an email from the company’s chief executive, which read: “We are writing to inform you that Vispa Limited has ceased trading and decided to commence liquidation proceedings.

“As a result, we regret to advise that Vispa will no longer be able to continue providing broadband services. To avoid any interruption to your connectivity, you will need to immediately choose a new Internet Service Provider (ISP) as soon as possible.

“Most providers on the Openreach network are able to take over your existing line with minimal disruption. You can find a list of alternative suppliers here: https://www.openreach.com/help-and-support/service-providers-on-our-network.

“We also strongly recommend that you cancel any active Direct Debit or standing order you have in place with Vispa Limited to prevent any further payments being taken.

“We understand this news may be inconvenient and we sincerely apologise for the disruption this causes. We would like to thank you for your custom and support over the years.”

VISPA director James Ormerod, who penned the letter, advised customers to “cancel your direct debit”. VISPA’s announcement did not provide its remaining customers with a specific date for the termination of the service. Currently, the VISPA website’s service status page reads “down for maintenance”.

It states: “The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to maintenance downtime or capacity problems. Please try again later.”

According to the Companies House website, Vispa Limited has an “active proposal to strike off”, indicating it is in the process of being removed from the register and dissolved.

One customer, Dr Fender, vented his frustration on X: “My c***** internet service provider that hosts my domain and email, @vispainternet, has yet again gone down and they’re unresponsive. How do I complain? They’re not registered with the ombudsman or any of the schemes (of course). #Vispa #ISP #complaint.”