A Hampshire nursery school says hackers were behind reports a potentially fatal infection had caused it to close today.

The County Council had put out a statement saying Kings Worthy Pre-School on Church Lane, Kings Worthy, near Winchester, was closed today after a severe case of botulism was found.

The illness attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis and even death.

But the school says it is open as normal and no illness has been reported. It says it’s IT system was hacked last night (Tuesday 29 April).

Hampshire County Council is investigating.