The UK government has actioned an emergency closure of one of its key websites after a memory stick containing millions of passwords and personal data was found in a public car park.

Despite the Department for Work and Pensions maintaining security of the site had not been breached, computer experts believe the data is at risk of internet hackers according to dailymail.co.uk

The Government gateway system has the capability of hosting data ranging from tax returns and parking tickets.

A statement on the site read: 'The Government Gateway is temporarily offline. We apologise for any inconvenience. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.'

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