'China hack hit 270,000 of military'

Shapps apology on MoD breach

- ASHLEY COWBURN

MORE than 270,000 UK armed forces staff were at risk in a suspected cyber hack by China.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said state involvement cannot be ruled out in the huge MoD attack.

He apologised after a breach of the payroll system left data exposed, adding: "It cannot happen again."

The Government became aware of the breach in recent days.

It had potentially compromised the bank details of up to 272,000 personnel and some veterans, with a tiny number accessed.