Josh Milton
Published November 25, 2025 7:36pm
Updated November 25, 2025 8:08pm
Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook
Comment now
Comments
Nursery, supermarkets and airports have all been targeted by cyber crooks this year (Picture: Getty Images)
Several London councils have reportedly been hit by cyber attacks in the past 48 hours.
Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea town halls say they are working with GCHQ’s cyber security centre to protect Londoners’ data.
Nearby Hammersmith and Fulham has also reported issues with their IT systems.
While reports have said Hackney in east London was also struck by cyber criminals, the council clarified to Metro that this is incorrect.
Kensington and Chelsea said the incident was identified by itself and Westminster City yesterday morning.
We're continuing to experience a serious IT issue that will affect your ability to get in touch with us, either through phone or through some online tools. We're working internally and with our partners to investigate. If you need to get in touch with us https://t.co/EpH0V8oFFa. https://t.co/svitym6Ftq
— Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (@RBKC) November 25, 2025
The councils’ shared IT systems and phone lines have also been impacted.
Constituents may struggle to get in contact with Kensington and Chelsea council.
The council added: ‘We don’t have all the answers yet, as the management of this incident is still ongoing.
‘But we know people will have concerns, so we will be updating residents and partners further over the coming days.
‘At this stage it is too early to say who did this, and why, but we are investigating to see if any data has been compromised – which is standard practice.’
Westminster council officials have pushed the red button on their networks as a precautionary measure, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
The council earlier today wrote on X that constituents are reporting issues contacting it through its contact centre and online portal.
Latest London news
- London’s new luxury neighbourhoods where house prices have reached £1,000,000
- There's a capsule missing from the London Eye - here's why
- Here's how much more drivers will pay for the London congestion charge next year
To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro's London news hub.
We are aware of an issue which will affect your ability to contact us, either via our contact centre, or online through services such as Report It. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and are communicating with our partners to understand when we should expect services to… pic.twitter.com/k27eMY4JwA
— Westminster City Council (@CityWestminster) November 25, 2025
The police were alerted to the wave of suspected cyber attacks yesterday, the force confirmed to Metro.
More Trending
-
Play Video
Fireworks warehouse blows up sending black cloud of smoke across London
Channel: UK UK 2 hours ago By Luke Alsford - Boy, 15, arrested after town centre shooting leaves teen 'fighting for life'
- Londoners left cold by rooftop ice skating rink with no ice
- 'I almost died after refusing to serve a man a pint - then I nearly lost my pub'
‘Enquiries remain in the early stages within the Met’s Cyber Crime Unit. No arrests have been made,’ it added.
The National Cyber Security Centre told Metro: ‘We are aware of an incident affecting some local authority services in London and are working to understand any potential impact.’
M&S, Co-op, Harrods, London’s Heathrow Airport, a London nursery chain, among others, have been targeted by cyber criminals in recent months.
Cyber experts previously told Metro that large retailers make easy prey for hackers, given the vast amount of customer data they handle.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].
For more stories like this, check our news page.
Arrow MORE: There’s a new world’s largest city – how does it compare to London?
Arrow MORE: ‘Furious’ neighbours force London couple to repaint £2,600,000 home
Arrow MORE: Children of murdered Muriel McKay lose bid to scan garden where they think she’s buried
Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source The Diaspora DishWe're cooking up something magical... Join the family, and look forward to exclusive interviews and unforgettable recipes.
DOB ? Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
