The health authority has been forced to change its advice on how to deal with suspect packages in the wake of recent anthrax scares in the US.

Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth Health Authority has admitted it made an error when a quote from its director of public health last Thursday, warned people to take suspect packages to their local police station.

But this advice was rapidly changed to tell people to contact their local police station after concerns were raised.

In a statement on its website, MSW public health director Dr Yvonne Doyle is quoted as saying: If you receive a suspicious package from the USA, take it to your local police station.

But police are warning the public not to touch suspect packages, but to call their local station.