A Croydon pharmacist has been arrested on suspicion of illegally selling coronavirus testing kits.

Police say a 46-year-old was arrested for misleading the public on Saturday (April 11) after police seized £20,000 from his properties.

He was arrested under the Fraud Act 2006 after reportedly making "false and misleading claims" about the tests’ capability.

Two properties and a car linked to the suspect were searched. He was released on conditional bail.

Authorities are warning the public against using coronavirus diagnosis kits in the home because they have not been approved by the appropriate bodies and could be dangerous to health.

Tariq Sarwar, Head of Operations for Enforcement at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said: “The use of products for the diagnosis of coronavirus infection in community settings, such as pharmacies, for home use, is not at present advised by Public Health England.

“There are no CE marked tests for home use, and it is illegal to supply such products.

“The safety, performance or quality of the products cannot be guaranteed and this poses a health risk.”

Detectives are urging the public to be wary of a surge in email scams targeting vulnerable people.

Examples include fake offers of medical support, high return investments, and appeals to support bogus charities.

Graeme Biggar, Director General of the National Economic Crime Centre, said: “Covid-19 is increasingly being used as a hook to commit fraud – and we think these offences are likely to increase during the pandemic.

“Individuals and businesses need to be fully prepared for criminals trying to turn the pandemic to their advantage by scamming them out of money.

“Law enforcement, government and the private sector are working together to protect the public and combat these offenders.”

The pharmacist and the surveyor arrested this weekend have both been released on conditional bail.

Nikki Holland, NCA Director of Investigations, said: “Criminals capitalise on fear and anxiety and they will exploit any opportunity, no matter how awful, to line their pockets.

“Illegally selling testing kits completely undermines the nation’s collective response to the pandemic and actually endangers lives.

“Anyone thinking of trying to profit in this way should take note of these arrests and that bringing these offenders to justice and ceasing their activities is a key priority across law enforcement.”