Southport attack victims, survivors and families hit by data breach

Image source, Andy Rain/EPA/Shutterstock Image caption, The MoJ says sensitive and personal data was accessed in a limited number of cases

An investigation is under way after a data breach involving court files relating to victims, survivors and families of the Southport attack, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has said.

The unauthorised access by courts staff was identified during a review of the department's digital systems. For a limited number of people, the information accessed included sensitive and personal data, but the MOJ did not state how many people were affected.

An spokesperson said the MOJ was "appalled", but there was no evidence personal data had been shared with third parties and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) had been told.

The prime minister has asked the Lord Chancellor to oversee the matter.