Ford Focus 03 Problem

Hi all,

Since I started my car today I've started having problems. When in the lower gears (1st and 2nd) I am hearing a grinding/whining noise. The car has also jolted a couple of times when accelerating. The car is a 2003 Ford Focus 1.6 with 97000 miles on the clock.

Does anyone know what this could be? Anyone experienced this themselves?

Thanks in advance!