A British intelligence agency has told political parties to protect themselves against potential cyberattacks, citing allegations that Russian hackers tried to influence last year's U.S. presidential election.

Britain's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of the GCHQ spying agency, said it had written to the leaders of political parties offering to help strengthen their network security, confirming a report in the Sunday Times.

"You will be aware of the coverage of events in the United States, Germany and elsewhere reminding us of the potential for hostile action against the UK political system," a letter from NCSC head Ciaran Martin said, according to the Times.

"Attacks against our democratic processes go beyond (political parties) and can include attacks on parliament, constituency offices, think tanks and pressure groups and individuals’ email accounts," it said.

More at Reuters.