London Ambulance Service contractor arrested on suspicion of stealing face masks

A contractor for the London Ambulance Service has been arrested on suspicion of stealing face masks and other products and attempting to sell them online.

The man allegedly stole the items from stores at north London ambulance sites and was able to access them because he was a contractor with the ambulance service, police said.

Metropolitan Police officers arrested the man, who is in his 20s, in Edmonton, the force said in a statement on Thursday. He was taken into police custody before being bailed.

Officers were able to recover a number of items during their searches and these have since been returned to the LAS.

Face masks are critical pieces of protective equipment for health workers battling the coronavirus pandemic.

Detective Inspector Jason Colby, who is leading the investigation, said he was "saddened that anyone would take advantage of the NHS for their financial gain at such a critical time".

"These masks are a vital piece of PPE for emergency service personnel and are used to keep both themselves and patients safe," Mr Colby said.

"We will continue to crack down on anyone attempting to take advantage of our emergency services for personal gain, especially at such an unprecedented time.

"We are grateful to those who are assisting our investigation."