Lulz Security has led an intensive hacking campaign over the last several weeks, attacking websites belonging to the CIA, PBS.org, Fox.com and when possible, stealing data such as passwords and logins and then releasing the information on its website.

The DDOS attacks against the SOCA website stopped after the arrest, the spokesman said. Since the arrest, police have been examining material seized from a residence in Wickford, Essex, to the east of London.

The teenager, who is still in custody, could face charges under the Computer Misuse Act and fraud-related offenses.

(Additional reporting by Grant Gross in Washington, D.C.)