Spain opens SABOTAGE probe into blackouts as timeline pinpoints mystery ‘events'…& ‘unusual activity' spotted in UK grid
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SPAIN has launched a sabotage investigation into the devastating power outages based on two mysterious "events".
The national grid released a timeline of the colossal blackout that has set alarm bells ringing - with cyberterrorism being considered.
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A worker assists a customer with a torch at a supermarket during a power outage which hit large parts of Spain
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A city police officer directs traffic during the chaos
Credit: Alamy
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Travellers were stranded amid travel chaos
Credit: Alamy
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The cause of the blackouts is unknown - but would fit with the string of recent Russian plots against Europe
Suspicions were raised of a Russian sabotage attack almost immediately after the power failed, following a campaign of similar plots to hit Europe.
Juanma Moreno, president of the Andalusian regional government, said a cyber attack is the most likely cause - and claimed that everything pointed towards a deliberate scheme.
Red Eléctrica de España, Spain's electricity board, produced a report showing a power-loss event at 12:33pm - followed by another just 1.5 seconds later.
And the network between Spain and France went down 3.5 seconds after that.
Based on the information, National Court judge José Luis Calama opened up an investigation to determine whether sabotage and cyberterrorism were at play.
He demanded a more detailed preliminary report from the grid and investigators within ten days.
In an emailed statement, he said that while the root of the blackout is still unknown 'cyber terrorism is among the possibilities'.
It has also emerged that Britain's electricity grid operator is investigating mystery outages in the UK's system hours before Spain and Portugal were plunged into blackouts.
The control room staff noticed suspicious activity on Sunday that involved unexpected shifts in the power frequency in the early morning and the evening.
A steady frequency within certain limits is vital to keeping power flowing.
More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
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Police cars patrol traffic caused by dead traffic lights in Madrid
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Food stands in Barcelona attempt to keep running during the blackout
Credit: Getty
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