Data breach affects Southport attack victims, survivors and their families
The UK's Ministry of Justice has apologised after unauthorised access to court files linked to the 2024 Southport attack affected victims, survivors and their families, prompting an urgent investigation overseen by the Lord Chancellor.
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has apologised following a data breach involving unauthorised access to court files connected to the Southport attack of 29 July 2024. A department spokesperson said officials were appalled by what happened and recognised the distress caused to victims, survivors and their families.
The MOJ said unauthorised access to court files is completely unacceptable and confirmed an urgent investigation is now under way. The prime minister has asked the Lord Chancellor to personally oversee the process, with the department warning that any wrongdoing will be met with extremely firm action.
The ministry said it is also reviewing its policies and frameworks covering staff conduct, acceptable use of data, and its fraud response plan. HM Courts and Tribunals Service and HM Prison and Probation Service are conducting their own investigations into the matter.
The Southport attack took place during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, killing six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar. Ten other people were physically injured in the attack.
This is the second known instance of inappropriate access to sensitive information relating to those affected by the attack. In May, a Liverpool hospital trust admitted that nearly 50 staff had inappropriately accessed the medical records of some victims treated at Aintree Hospital. The North West Ambulance Service subsequently launched its own investigation into potential inappropriate access to patient records by some of its staff.
