Hackney Council has been the target of a ‘serious cyber attack’ that has affected its IT systems and services.

The council said it has been working with the National Cyber Security Centre, external experts and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to investigate the incident.

Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville, said: ‘This investigation is at an early stage, and limited information is currently available. We will continue to provide updates as our investigation progresses.

’Our focus is on continuing to deliver essential frontline services, especially to our most vulnerable residents, and protecting data, while restoring affected services as soon as possible.’

The chief executive of the Local Government Association has warned the consequences of a cyber-attack are ‘greater than ever’ after Hackney LBC was hit.