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

Middlesbrough Council’s website was taken offline on Wednesday after its IT department identified a problem.

Interim chief executive Clive Heaphy apologized for the “inconvenience caused during the temporary shutdown”.

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

“We have strong cyber security measures in place so we are prepared for exactly this type of attack, Mr Heaphy said.

“I would also like to reassure the public that their and the Council’s data has been kept secure.”

Other councils were also hit cyber attacks this week.

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