College website down after being targeted by 'Kurdish hacker'

Earlier this evening, the college's home page was replaced with an emblem of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the words: "Hacked by PaYwand Abdulla.

"We are all Peshmarga and Ilove Islamic

"\!/ See You Admin #"

The college, based in Blackpool Old Road, said it is aware of the problem and is working to resolve it.

Writing on its Facebook page, it said: "Thank you for all the messages regarding our website.

"We are aware of the problem and are now working to resolve the situation.

"We hope to be back up running soon."

Elsewhere on the internet, 'PaYwand Abdulla' claims to be a Kurdish hacker, while the Peshmerga are militia in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The group, whose name translates as 'those who face death', operate in northern Iraq and are involved in the fight against Islamic State (ISIS).

More to follow.