// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Southport attack victims, survivors and families hit by data breach
The MoJ says sensitive and personal data was accessed in a limited number of cases
An investigation is under way after a data breach involving court files relating to victims, survivors and families of the Southport attack, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has said.
The unauthorised access by courts staff was identified during a review of the department's digital systems. For a limited number of people, the information accessed included sensitive and personal data, but the MOJ did not state how many people were affected.
An spokesperson said the MOJ was "appalled", but there was no evidence personal data had been shared with third parties and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) had been told.
The prime minister has asked the Lord Chancellor to oversee the matter.
An MOJ source said its independent Data Protection Officer had assessed the matter and found that, for a limited number of people, the information accessed included sensitive and personal data likely to result in a high risk to their rights and freedoms.
Those affected are being notified directly, the department said.
An MOJ spokesperson said: "We are appalled that this happened and recognise the distress it will have caused victims, survivors, and their families.
"We apologise to those affected - unauthorised access to court files is completely unacceptable.
"This is now being investigated urgently, and the prime minister has asked the Lord Chancellor to oversee this.