Liz Truss ‘concerned’ after Norfolk and Suffolk police forces confirm data breach

Liz Truss has admitted she is “very concerned” at a police data breach that saw details of more than 1,000 crime victims inadvertently released.

Norfolk and Suffolk forces confirmed earlier today that 1,230 people involved in their files had their information released as part of responses to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.

Officers do not believe that the data was accessible to anybody outside of policing, but have apologised and have started to contact those affected.

And Ms Truss, the MP for South West Norfolk, has voiced her worries regarding the incident.

The former Prime Minister said: “I was very concerned to hear about this data breach and any constituents whose data may have been mishandled will be understandably alarmed.

“Questions will need to be asked and answered as to how the breach occurred.

“In the meantime, any constituents who may be affected can, as ever, contact me via elizabeth.truss.mp@parliament.uk, while the police have advised me that anyone who thinks they may have been impacted by the incident can contact the dedicated hub responding to it by calling 01603 276647.”

The data released included personal and identifiable information on victims, witnesses, and suspects – as well as descriptions of offences. It related to a range of crimes, including domestic incidents, sexual offences, assaults, thefts and hate crime.

A police spokesperson said it occurred due to a “technical issue”.