A teenager and a man have been arrested in connection with reports of a cyber-attack on a chain of London-based nurseries.

The two males, aged 17 and 22, were taken into custody on suspicion of computer misuse as well as blackmail.

Cyberhackers were alleged to have used pictures, along with the names of around 8,000 children from the Kido nursery chain, to demand ransom money.

The arrests were carried out following a Metropolitan Police operation at a number of properties in Bishop’s Stortford in Hertfordshire on Tuesday.

The pair remain in custody for questioning, the force said.

Will Lyne, the Met Police’s head of economic and cybercrime, said specialist investigators have been working “at pace” since the attacks took place.

“We understand reports of this nature can cause considerable concern,” he added, “especially to those parents and carers who may be worried about the impact of such an incident on them and their families.

“We want to reassure the community and anyone affected that this matter continues to be taken extremely seriously.

“These arrests are a significant step forward in our investigation, but our work continues, alongside our partners, to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

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