School forced to close after 'ransomware attack'

A school in Cheshire has announced a temporary closure after falling victim to a "ransomware attack".

Blacon High School, just outside Chester, will be closed to students on Monday and Tuesday while a cyber-security company investigates the data breach.

Head teacher Rachel Hudson said the school might need to be closed for longer and would provide parents with an update as soon as it had more information.

She said the attack happened on Friday, adding: "We have an independent cyber-security company working in school to understand exactly what has happened."

"Once all staff devices have been cleansed, teachers will spend time re-planning lessons and will set work on Google Classroom for students to complete at home," Ms Hudson said.

The school would reopen "as soon as it is safe to do so".

Students wanting to collect lunch from the school should go to reception between 11:00 and 13:00 GMT on 20 and 21 January.