Computer hackers are threatening to cause "total chaos" by launching a cyber attack on Canterbury Crown Court if a judge refuses to resign.

The unidentified online predators are also targeting the Crown Prosecution Service.

The threat came in an email to the court’s general office and was also sent to KentOnline.

In a message to the website, they say: “We have given the judge 21 days to stand down or take early retirement before we launch attacks against both Canterbury Crown Court and the CPS.

“We expect public statements from each of them, as demanded, to be published in this news outlet within 21 days or face total chaos.

“No longer will they fabricate the truth and prevent justice.”

That deadline is due to run out on Sunday, but the public statement demanded is not expected to be given by the authorities.

Police say they are treating the threat seriously and have launched an investigation in a bid to find the source of the emails.

KentOnline IT workers have co-operated with the police.

The emails came from someone calling themselves L33t Cyber Team. L33t is internet slang for elite.

Police were made aware of an emailed threat to disrupt the Canterbury Crown Court computer network on January 15.

The force, with the help of the National Crime Agency, yesterday executed a warrant at an address in Croydon.

Officers arrested a 32-year-old woman and a 53-year-old woman on suspicion of blackmail and offences under the Malicious Communications Act.