A lecturer’s paper cut sparked a brainwave which could save oil firms and the water industry a fortune by detecting and plugging pipeline leaks, it emerged today.

Nigerian warships ships were sailing today towards offshore platforms where 97 foreign oil workers – including 35 Britons – were being held hostage by disgruntled local workers.

Oil company officials were today negotiating with union leaders representing striking Nigerian oil workers holding 97 foreign hostages – including 35 Britons - aboard oil platforms off the West African nation’s coast.