Armed forces' personal data accessed in hack

There has been a significant data breach involving the personal details of serving military personnel, the BBC understands.

It is understood there has been unauthorised access of a pay-roll system involving the names and bank details of both current and some past armed forces members.

In a very small number of cases, the data may include personal addresses.

It is unknown who is behind the hack or what the data may be used for.

The data, described as personal HMRC-style information, relates to current and former members of the Royal Navy, Army and Air Force. It is unclear exactly how many people's data has been accessed.

The system was managed by an external contractor and no operational MoD data has been obtained.

It is understood the MoD has taken immediate action and the system has been taken off-line, while investigations are under way.

The MoD is in the process of notifying and providing support and advice to those affected, including making veterans' organisations aware of what has happened.

It is thought MPs could be informed about the development in the Commons on Tuesday.