A CYBER ransom attack has hit a local authority in Cumbria.

Copeland Borough Council fell victim to the attack, with significant internal disruption caused.

Frontline services continue to operate as normal and users have been reassured no confidential customer data has been lost.

Pat Graham, the council's managing director, said: "We would like to reassure the public that despite this damaging attack that has caused major disruption to the running of the council, our robust business continuity plan has kicked in and frontline services are operating as normal.

"Through no fault of our own, we have been one of a number of victims of this malicious random attack, and although it may take some time, we will make a full recovery.

"I publicly thank our councillors, staff and the public for their support during this challenging time."

The internal team, supported by industry specialists, is fighting the attack, with internal systems expected to be down for several days.

Website users were today unable to load the site following the attack.

The matter has been reported to the Information Commissioner, the National Cyber Security Council, and the police.