Customers still hit as NatWest clears up computer problems

NatWest customers were still suffering the effects of the bank’s computer meltdown today as bosses claimed they were clearing the backlog.

Millions of people have been left without money and had payments bounced after a series of other problems following a routine update went repeatedly wrong.

Among those affected was a defendant who had to remain locked in a cell over the weekend when his £25,000 bail transaction failed to go through.

Michael Brock, 35, who has been charged with attempted rape and indecent assault, was granted bail at Canterbury crown court on Friday and should have been released on Saturday but was left behind bars for 48 hours until Monday. In another case also affected on Friday at a court in Westminster, a magistrate granted bail after using his discretion.

NatWest and RBS branches across the country yesterday remained open for extended hours in a bid to help customers. An RBS spokeswoman said: “RBS and NatWest confirm that the update of customer account balances has cleared overnight, with the exception of a few specific sets of transactions. We know this disruption was unacceptable and that many customers will still have questions and concerns.”