POLICE have warned about fraudsters operating in the county who are going door-to-door selling fake coronavirus testing kits.

Describing them as 'relentless', officers have said the fraudsters are using the uncertainty around coronavirus to exploit the public.

Officers have also advised the public about purchasing items such as hand sanitisers and face masks from anyone other than recognised retailers, warning that the products could be of an inferior quality.

A police spokesman said: "We wanted to make you aware that although there remains a lot of uncertainty around Covid-19, fraudsters are as relentless as ever in their attempts to exploit the public. We have received a number of reports that door-to-door sellers are using coronavirus as an opportunity to exploit the public at this difficult time.

"Please be advised that the home coronavirus testing kits that are being sold by door-to-door salespeople are in fact fake and no such testing facility is currently available to the public in the UK.

"We have also received reports of vendors selling hand sanitiser, masks and rubber gloves and whilst this may not be a scam, we would urge you against purchasing these items from anyone other than recognised retailers. Whilst the intentions of those selling these items may not be disingenuous, you cannot be sure of the quality of items bought, that you are getting good value for money or that they actually work.

"You can be confident that we are doing all we can to protect the public, but it's more important than ever that the community supports each other. Please share this message with your friends and family, particularly if elderly or vulnerable."