Officer tested for Legionnaires'

Legionnaires' disease is a rare type of pneumonia

A Northumbria Police officer is being tested for Legionnaires' disease after traces of bacteria which can cause the disease were found at five stations.

Routine tests found traces of legionella in shower areas of stations in Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Blyth and a marine unit in Jarrow.

The male officer, who is in his 30s and married with children, displayed flu-like symptoms earlier this month.

Northumbria Police have been working with the Health and Safety Executive.

Police federation spokesman Russell Watson said: "One member who is on the sick with pneumonia is linking the news of legionnaires to his condition.

'Wholly irresponsible'

"His urine and blood is being tested by the NHS and is he awaiting the results.

"We are understandably worried and are taking the matter seriously."

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: "We are aware that one of our officers has been off ill with a chest-related infection and that he is recovering at home.

"We are also aware he is being tested for Legionnaires' disease.

"Until such time as the results are known it would be wholly irresponsible to speculate on any outbreak of the disease.

"We are working closely with the Health and Safety Executive and keeping staff updated on the situation." Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include a flu-like illness with muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, dry cough and fever, leading on to pneumonia.

Sometimes diarrhoea occurs and confusion may also develop. It can be treated with antibiotics but can be fatal.