Teenager arrested in UK following PlayStation and Xbox online attacks

A teenager has been arrested in the UK following online attacks on PlayStation and Xbox online services.

Sky News is reporting that a teenager has been arrested in Merseyside as part of a joint British and FBI-led operation.

The teenager was arrested on suspicion of unauthorised access to computer material, and was detained for alleged threats to kill, according to the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU). Some "Swatting" allegations were also involved in the operation.

"We are still at the early stages of the investigation and there is still much work to be done," said Craig Jones, head of the Cyber Crime Unit at SEROCU. "We will continue to work closely with the FBI to identify those who commit offences and hold them to account."

Peter Goodman, the deputy chief constable at the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) called it a "significant" arrest.

"This arrest demonstrates that we will pursue those who commit crime with the false perception they are protected within their own homes or hiding behind anonymous online personas," he said.

It's unclear whether the arrest is directly related to the DDoS attacks on Xbox Live and PSN over the holidays.