SPAR shops across Bolton and Greater Manchester have been closed due to a suspected cyber attack.

The attack affected stores across the North of England on Sunday including one of Bolton's branches in Breightmet.

James Hall and Company which distributes food to SPAR stores across the North has not yet confirmed a full list of which branches have been impacted.

A statement issued by SPAR North of England said: "James Hall and Company are currently aware of an online attack on it's IT system.

"This has not affected all SPAR stores across the North of England, but a number have been impacted over the past 24 hours and we are working to resolve this situation as quickly as possible."

"It is currently impacting stores' ability to process card payments meaning that a number of SPAR stores are currently closed to shoppers or only taking cash payments.

"We apologise for the inconvenience this is causing our customers and we are working as quickly as possible to resolve the situation. "

In total, around 300 stores had to close around the country.

As of Monday, the company confirmed that some branches were still affected.