A MP has said the Government's failure to address fears that a Russian website hacked residents' webcams is "disappointing".

Seventeen homes in the region were targeted by hackers last month and had their webcams unwittingly streamed live on a rogue website.

Footage included a young boy's bedroom, a living room with Christmas tree in Harrogate and a garage in Middlesbrough containing an expensive green convertible.

Alex Cunningham, Labour MP for Stockton North, sent a letter to the Home Office to ask about what the authorities were doing to safeguard families after The Northern Echo revealed the extent of the hacking.

He admitted at the time that he did not feel terribly optimistic about getting a satisfactory reply.

And last night it seems he was right as he tweeted: "Minister response to my letter about Teesside homes being targeted by Russian cyber cowboys doesn't instil much hope."

The Home Office letter, which Mr Cunningham posted alongside the tweet, outlines the Government's cyber strategy.

A key part is to fund a number of initiatives that will educate the public about online risks.

"The Government is clear about the need to raise awareness of cyber crime as GCHQ has estimated that 80 per cent of cyber attacks could be prevented through adopting sensible online behaviours," it said.

Mr Cunningham, talking to The Northern Echo, said: "I wrote the letter to see what could be done about these websites that hack webcams.

"Their advice seems to very much put the onus on individual people to protect themselves.

"It is disappointing. There seems to be very little the Government can or wants to do."

The site has since been taken down, but Mr Cunningham is worried that many more could exist.

"It does not matter if it is that site or a new one," he said. "There is still a concern that people's privacy is being abused."