UPDATE - despite reading trouble code (blink code) 1-6-0-2 which the internet says is a problem with the immobilizer, the actual problem was that the timing belt had skipped a tooth or two

Checked spark, compression, fuel, all good. Auto-electrician confirmed the timing was way out.

I also checked all the suspects mentioned elsewhere in the forum - thermostat earth, crank position sensor, all good.

I had replaced the timing belt a year ago (along with water pump) so was surprised to find it had slipped. After a lot of time stripping out the ancillary belts, cam cover and timing belt covers I re-aligned the crank and cam then slid the belt back on. I was glad not to have to remove the crank bolt as it s too tight. Tested the car before putting everything back, and all good. Although in the five weeks it took me to sort out, a hole ahs developed in the back box of the exhaust, but that's for another day