Co-op pulled plug

Empty shelves after drastic store takes action to halt hack

- GRAHAM HISCOTT

THE Co-op narrowly avoided being locked out of its own computer systems, a gang behind a cyber attack has claimed.

The firm says it is returning to normal after it took action to contain a hack bid, which led to gaps on store shelves.

Bosses hope to fix it by this weekend after prioritising deliveries to remote shops over general re-ordering.

And Marks & Spencer is still not taking online clothing and homeware orders after being hacked over Easter.

Experts estimate it is costing the high street giant more than £40million a week, with hundreds of millions wiped off its shares.