Coronavirus: Melton crime suspects claim they have Covid-19 to evade arrest

The incidents were reported by Pc Davey Rawlings in a force Facebook post where he updated the public on recent activities.

He said over a short period three adult males were arrested for a variety of offences - being in possession of a large quantity of Class A drugs, being suspected of carrying out an aggravated burglary and breaching bail conditions - and an adult female was taken into custody for failing to attend a court hearing prior to the recent government ‘virtual lockdown’ restrictions.

And Pc Rawlings added in his post: “Some of who we have dealt with claimed to be suffering the ill effects of the coronavirus in an attempt to evade arrest.

“Those arrested will be checked at custody for the symptoms.”

And in a message to others who may claim they have tested positive for the Covid-19 bug in an attempt to prevent their arrest, he went on to say: “We have gloves, we have masks, you will still be arrested.”

Leicestershire Police confrm that officers are equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) so they can deal safely with members of the public.

A force spokesperson said: “As with any incident in which an arrest may be made, officers will carry out a dynamic risk assessment in order to minimise the threat of harm to the public, the person being arrested and themselves.

“In some situations an arrest may not be necessary and details are taken, which could result in a postal summons being issued at a later stage.”