TROUBLED cable operator NTL cast doubt over whether it would be able to sustain operations during a critical overhaul of its £12 billion debt.

The group, which is based in Hook, Hampshire, said "various uncertainties" remained including its ability to maintain adequate liquidity while it attempted to come up with alternatives for refinancing the debt.

It warned: "There can be no assurance that we will successfully complete a recapitalisation or financing in a timely manner in order to sustain the company's operations."

The comments come as NTL posted a net loss of £11.1bn up from £1.8bn last time after taking a one-off hit of £7.79bn because of the lower value of assets.