Secret chat logs between the hackers who briefly brought down the Prime Minister's website last night reveal that the operation was a disorganised failure in one sense, but not in another.

The hackers hoped to crash the site for a sustained period - but that failed.

But, despite their evident lack of geek skills, they achieved their other objective - publicity.

The discussions, on an internet relay chat forum, show the hackers, who identify themselves as being part of a group called "Anonymous", are preparing to "regroup" for a second round of attacks.