UK nuclear power firm British Energy has reported a profit fall of 28% due to production shutdowns.

Earnings before tax, depreciation, interest and amortisation fell to £882 million from £1.22 billion a year earlier.

The company had already reported a drop in earnings following the technical issues at Hartlepool and Heysham 1, partly due to the closure of boiler units. The firm has said all four units at the two sites are expected to be reopened by the end of the year.

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The energy firm, which is in talks with many potential buyers, said it needed several weeks before it made any decisions on takeover proposals.

Bill Coley, CEO of British Energy, said: "Despite disappointing financial performance, we have made good operational progress, with Sizewell B operating to world class standards and some best ever metrics being realised across the AGR fleet. We are well positioned to manage our existing fleet to best advantage and look ahead to playing a pivotal role in the new build programme."

(CD/JM)