A POPULAR safari park has been forced to partially close this morning due to a world-wide IT issue.

Longleat Safari Park, near Warminster, has announced this morning that only its drive-through safari area will be open as a result of the global IT outages.

The ongoing issue has so far caused several flights to be grounded, card readers have stopped working, TV channels have gone off-air, as well as nationwide disruption to GP services.

Bristol Airport, located in North Somerset, has issued a warning of 'potential for disruption' amid the chaos which the BBC reports has caused over 1,000 flights to be cancelled across the globe so far.

In a statement issued today, a spokesperson for Longleat said: "We are sorry but due to issues we are experiencing because of the impact of the world-wide IT outage, only our drive-through Safari Park will be open this morning – Friday, July 19.

"You will be directed to that entrance on arrival.

"We look forward to seeing you and ask that you please bear with us with this evolving situation.

"We will keep our website as up-to-date as possible with the latest information.

"Any queries please contact enquiries@longleat.co.uk."