RAF Henlow base in Bedfordshire prepares emergency morgue for coronavirus victims

The military base at Henlow could become an emergency morgue to house bodies of coronavirus victims as the UK's death toll continues to rise.

Central Beds Council confirmed a temporary resting place is being prepared at RAF Henlow in response to the outbreak.

In a statement, a council spokesman said: "A sad reality of this pandemic is that we are expecting the number of deaths in Bedfordshire to increase, as has been seen in other parts of the country and across the world.

"While we are working hard to keep people safe, we need to be ready for this eventuality so we are working with partners to prepare a building on the RAF Henlow base as a temporary resting place should it be needed."

The spokesman added: "In order to protect the dignity and respect of those who have lost their lives, the area will be staffed and security will be in place."

The council urged the public to stay at home, as instructed by government guidelines.