Bedfordshire Police HQ custody suite deep cleaned over initial coronavirus fear

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The force took precautionary measure after four sick people were found in the back of a lorry

The decision was taken to deep clean the suite after 16 people - believed to be illegal immigrants - were found in a lorry on an industrial estate in Biggleswade.

They are all examined and seemed well - but while in custody, four began to display coronavirus symptoms.

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Working with Public Health England and Bedford Borough Council, the police isolated the four. However, the four sick people tested negative for the virus.But a spokesman for the force said: "As a precaution, the custody suite was temporarily closed for a deep clean and re-opened on Sunday morning."

Coronavirus testing (Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images)Coronavirus testing (Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Coronavirus testing (Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images) | Getty

They added: "The other 12 have been released from police custody and are now in the care of either Immigration Enforcement or Bedford Borough Council.

"Following the negative test results, the four will now be handed over to immigration services for processing.

"There is not believed to be any increased risk to anyone who came into contact with these people, and we would advise anyone with concerns to visit the Public Health England website."

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