SOMERSET shoppers are being warned of possible stock shortages and details exposed amid a cyber attack on the Co-op.

Stores in Somerset are among hundreds affected nationwide after online criminals targeted the retailer’s systems – and were able to access some information.

Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO of the Co-op group, said staff were working to “minimising any disruption”.

“As you may be aware we are currently experiencing significant disruption following a cyber-attack on our Co-op,” she said.

“The criminals that are perpetrating these attacks are highly sophisticated and our colleagues are working tirelessly to do three things: (1) protect and defend our Co-op, (2) fully understand the extent of the impact caused by the attack and (3) provide much needed information to the authorities that may help them with their investigations,” she added.

“Actively managing the severity of the attack has meant shutting down some of our systems to protect the organisation.

“That said, our front-line colleagues are focused on minimising any disruption that might be experienced by our members and customers.”

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A store manager in Somerset said they had been “badly affected” by the incident.

“Unfortunately as a business this has badly affected our ability to function as normal,” they said. “You will notice and probably have noticed stock levels in the store are not as they should be and the Co-op is working hard to get stock back into stores.

“My team are working hard in store to deliver the best store we possibly can in circumstances that are very difficult.

“I ask politely for patience and kindness.”

Meanwhile, Shirine said “a limited amount of member data” may have been accessed in the attack.

“This is obviously extremely distressing for our colleagues and members, and I am very sorry this happened,” Shirine went on. “We recognise the importance of data protection and take our obligations to you and our regulators seriously, particularly as a member-owned organisation.

“I appreciate you will want to know more, and I hope you will understand that in order to protect our Co-op, we are limited as to the detail we can communicate at this time.

“I thank you for your patience and I will be back in touch as soon as possible.”