Council website restored after online attack

Middlesbrough Council's website was out of action for two days

A council has confirmed its website has been hit by an online attack.

Middlesbrough Council's site was taken offline on Wednesday after its IT department identified an issue.

Interim Chief Executive Clive Heaphy apologised for the "inconvenience caused during the temporary shutdown".

The council says no data or services were put at risk and the service was restored on Friday following rigorous testing.

"We have strong cyber-security measures in place so we’re prepared for exactly this sort of attack, Mr Heaphy said.

"I’d also like to reassure the public that their data and that of the Council were kept safe."

Other councils have also been hit by cyber attacks this week.

Salford, Bury and Trafford councils confirmed their websites were temporarily affected, but said they were now back online.