Police in protective clothing have arrested a man suffering from coronavirus symptoms in Eltham town centre after they recognised him as a previously wanted criminal.

Welling Police were on patrol in Eltham on Tuesday, April 12, when they spotted the suspect and recognised him from a case last year.

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The man had been accused and found guilty of carrying out a residential burglary in Welling in 2019, but failed to appear at Woolwich Crown Court for sentencing.

Officers conducting a 30 minute search of Eltham town centre recognised him and managed to swiftly carry out an arrest.

Welling Police said in a statement that the male was suffering from symptoms of Covid-19, but that officers were safely equipped and were still able to arrest.

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The man will now appear at Woolwich Crown Court via video link from a south London police station where he is currently detained.