A teenager and a man have been arrested in connection with reports of a cyber attack on a chain of London-based nurseries.
The two males, aged 17 and 22, were taken into custody on suspicion of computer misuse as well as blackmail.
Cyber hackers were alleged to have used pictures and the names of around 8,000 children from the Kido nursery chain to demand ransom money.
The arrests were carried out following a Metropolitan Police operation at a number of properties in Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire on Tuesday.
The pair remain in custody for questioning, the force said.
Information released two weeks ago involved the personal contact details of children who attend the nurseries, as well as their parents and carers.
Will Lyne, the Met Police's head of economic and cyber crime, said specialist investigators have been working "at pace" since the attacks took place.
"We understand reports of this nature can cause considerable concern," he added, "especially to those parents and carers who may be worried about the impact of such an incident on them and their families.
"We want to reassure the community and anyone affected that this matter continues to be taken extremely seriously.
"These arrests are a significant step forward in our investigation, but our work continues, alongside our partners, to ensure those responsible are brought to justice."
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A hacking group called Radiant, which claimed it was behind the cyber attack, previously told Sky News they would release the profiles of more children and Kido staff.
However, according to The Guardian, the group later appeared to delete the data from a website set up to extort victims after a backlash for targeting children.
(c) Sky News 2025: Teen and man arrested over reports of cyber attack on children's nurseries
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