Irish teenager arrested over TalkTalk data theft

Police detain 15-year-old in Northern Ireland in relation to major cyber attack on website

It emerged last Thursday that customers details could have been compromised during a major cyber attack on the TalkTalk website. Photograph: John Stillwell/PA Wire
It emerged last Thursday that customers details could have been compromised during a major cyber attack on the TalkTalk website. Photograph: John Stillwell/PA Wire

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in Northern Ireland in connection with the TalkTalk data theft.

The Metropolitan Police in London said the teenager was detained at around 4.20pm on Monday by officers from the PSNI on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offences.

“He has been taken into custody at a Co Antrim police station where he will later be interviewed. A search of the address is ongoing and enquiries continue,” a Met police statement said.

The arrest comes as part of a joint operation between officers in Northern Ireland and Britain.

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A PSNI spokeswoman was unable to provide comment as she said the Metropolitan Police Cyber Crime Unit is leading the investigation.

It emerged last Thursday that customers details could have been compromised during a major cyber attack on the TalkTalk website.

Anyone who believes they have been directly affected by this alleged data theft should visit http://help2.talktalk.co.uk/oct22incident.