Croydon Council has issued a statement following news that the borough's first coronavirus case had been confirmed.

Earlier today it was announced that a person in Croydon - which up until that point had been one of just two South-West London boroughs not to be affected by the disease - had contracted coronavirus.

Now in a statement sent to the Croydon Guardian, a Croydon Council spokesman said: “We have been informed by Public Health England of a coronavirus case in Croydon.

"We are working with local health colleagues in support of PHE and the national effort to combat and contain the virus.

“We would like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low but it’s very important that everyone takes notice of and shares the public health messages in order to keep themselves, their families and our community safe.

"This includes washing your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds, and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue catching coughs and sneezes and throwing it away immediately.

“Residents with any concerns about their own health should visit the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call NHS 111 for the latest health guidance.”

It is still unclear where the person contracted the disease. Croydon Council said this is not a question it can answer and Croydon University Hospital has been contacted for comment.