SPAR stores across East Lancashire have been closed due to a suspected cyber attack.

The supermarket chain has branches in Blackburn, Accrington, Oswaldtwistle, Nelson and Rawtenstall, with stores across the North of England impacted by the attack.

James Hall and Company which distributes food to SPAR outlets across the North, including to the 25 stores in Lancashire, has not yet confirmed a full list of which branches have been hit.

A statement issued by SPAR North of England said: "James Hall and Company are currently aware of an online attack on it's IT system.

"This has not affected all SPAR stores across the North of England, but a number have been impacted over the past 24 hours and we are working to resolve this situation as quickly as possible."

"It is currently impacting stores' ability to process card payments meaning that a number of SPAR stores are currently closed to shoppers or only taking cash payments.

"We apologise for the inconvenience this is causing our customers and we are working as quickly as possible to resolve the situation. "

In total, around 300 stores had to close around the country.

As of Monday, the company confirmed that some branches were still impacted.

James Hall and Company has been approached for a full list of affected stores.