Aluminium producer Norsk Hydro hit by cyber attack

Aluminium and renewable energy group Norsk hydro has been hit by a cyber attack, forcing the company to close some of its facilities for forming aluminium bars.

Norsk hydro, one of the world's largest suppliers of aluminium, said in a statement that the attack hit late on Monday evening - although it did not explain what the attack may have involved.

The company has more than a dozen facilities in the UK, but it is unclear how many of these have been affected.

Its statement added: "It has impacted operations in several of the company's business areas globally. IT systems are impacted and hydro is switching to manual operations where possible.

"We are working to contain and neutralise the attack.

"It is too early to assess the full impact of the situation. It is too early to assess the impact on customers. We have established dialogue with all relevant authorities."

According to Reuters, the company has closed down some of its metal extrusion plants - the facilities which form the aluminium into particular shapes.

A spokesperson for the company told Reuters: "Some extrusion plants that are easy to stop and start have chosen to temporarily shut production."

Reuters added that the giant metal smelters have switched to manual operations but are continuing to produce aluminium.