The worldwide "ransomware" cyber attack has spread to thousands more computers as people across Asia logged in at work, disrupting businesses, schools, hospitals and daily life.

An international effort is under way to track down the criminals behind an unprecedented global cyber attack that wreaked havoc across the NHS in England.

Theresa May said the British Government is not aware of any evidence that patient records have been compromised in the massive cyber attack on the NHS.

Health Minister Simon Harris has said the cyber security of Irish hospitals is being "closely monitored" in the wake of confirmed attacks on hospitals in Britain, writes Daniel McConnell of the Irish Examiner.

Latest: At least 16 hospitals in the UK's National Health Service have been targeted by a large cyber attack.