Northern Ireland mail bound for the Republic and the rest of the world has been disrupted in the continuing Royal Mail postal workers strike in Belfast.
In a further escalation of the unofficial strike items posted in the North for delivery to the Republic, Britain and the rest of the world will not be dispatched.
Most incoming mail from these destinations should be delivered to all parts of the North, excluding the affected areas of north, south and west Belfast.
A Royal Mail spokesman also confirmed yesterday that "Special Delivery" and "International Airsure" items would not be accepted with immediate effect. "Items already accepted at Post Office branches will not receive a full service and no more will be taken in," said the spokeswoman.
She continued: "Mail posted in Belfast is not being processed and therefore will not be delivered regardless of destination."
Royal Mail urged customers expecting or sending urgent mail from businesses or financial institutions to use telephone, e-mail or fax systems as a short-term measure to the problem.