Xbox And Sony Cyber AttacK: Teen Arrested

A teenager has been arrested in Merseyside following cyberattacks on Sony PlayStation and Xbox systems last year.

The 18-year-old was held in Southport after a joint British and FBI-led operation on suspicion of unauthorised access to computer material.

He was also detained for alleged threats to kill, the South East (HKSE: 0726.HK - news) Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) said.

It was unclear whether the arrest related to the Christmas Day attack on Xbox and Sony (Swiss: SONC.SW - news) which left millions of users offline.

Deputy Chief Constable Peter Goodman, the national policing lead for cyber security at the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), said it was a "significant" arrest.

He said: "This arrest demonstrates that we will pursue those who commit crime with the false perception they are protected within their own homes or hiding behind anonymous online personas."

Investigators, supported by the National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU), said the operation also focused on alleged "swatting" offences.

Swatting involves individuals giving hoax information online to law enforcement agencies in the US.

The information suggests a threat exists so police respond with tactical units.

Electronic and digital devices were seized by officers who arrested the teenager in Boundary Street, Southport.

Craig Jones, head of the cyber crime unit at SEROCU, said: "We are pursuing cyber criminals using the latest technology and working with businesses and academia to further develop specialist investigative capabilities to protect and reduce the risk to the public.

"Cyber crime is an issue which has no boundaries and affects people on a local, regional and global level."