Alleged deliberate coronavirus cougher detained under mental health act
A man arrested for allegedly coughing on staff in a Dudley shop and claiming to be infected with coronavirus has been detained under the mental health act.
The 57-year-old from Dudley was arrested after several people called to report the High Street incident on Wednesday.
Workers suspected a man was shoplifting and, when confronted, he was reported to have coughed on staff and laughed at them.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: "A 57-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of theft and assault on Wednesday afternoon has been detained under the Mental Health Act.
"He was arrested on Dudley High Street after he reportedly coughed on people and claimed to be infected with coronavirus.
"Those affected have been given appropriate advice and referred to the non-emergency NHS helpline for further support and guidance."
