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Greater Manchester Police has become the latest institution to fall victim to the globe-spanning Conficker worm.

A particularly virulent outbreak recently resulted in the force reportedly having to disconnect itself from the Police National Computer for more than three days.  The incident is suspected to have been caused by a member of staff introducing the malware via a personal USB memory stick.

According to reports, the speed of the infection resulted in GMP being cut off from using the PNC and other Criminal Justice systems, meaning officers had to ask neighbouring forces to carry out identity checks on criminals and suspect vehicles.

In a statement, Dave Thompson, Assistant Chief Constable said the ‘public had not experienced any difference in the service they received’ due to the virus outbreak, adding that no data had been lost.