Police investigating Marks & Spencer cyber attack

The retailer initially saw problems with contactless payments and click and collect orders last week, then on Friday it paused all online orders.

Marks & Spencer is dealing with the fallout of a cyber attack last week (Jonathan Brady/PA) (PA Wire)

The Metropolitan Police is investigating a cyber attack on Marks & Spencer which has seen the retailer face major disruption.

The force confirmed on Wednesday that officers from its cyber crime unit are investigating, amid reports a hacking group known as Scattered Spider may have carried out the attack.

Marks & Spencer initially saw problems with its contactless payments and click and collect orders last week, then on Friday it paused orders through its website and app.

Staff at a key logistics site were told to stay at home due to the continued disruption on Monday, and some stores were left with empty shelves.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “We were called on Wednesday April 23 regarding a cyber incident at Marks & Spencer.

“Detectives from the Met’s cyber crime unit are investigating. Inquiries continue.”

The National Cyber Security Centre said it is also working with the retailer “to support their response to a cyber incident”.