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A police investigation has been launched into a “fake” London paramedic who is believed to have treated more than 100 patients.

The Standard understands his “unauthorised actions” included responding to 999 calls and “discharging” patients at the scene rather than having them taken to hospital.

Ambulance chiefs and police have tried to contact as many patients as possible to inform them of the potential safety breach and to check on their welfare.

The man, who was a trainee member of staff at London Ambulance Service, has been sacked and the case has been referred to Scotland Yard.

Today the Metropolitan Police revealed it had questioned a 21-year-old man on suspicion of fraud and other offences, including assault and burglary, which relate to potentially unlawful physical contact with patients and entering homes under false pretences.

He is also being quizzed over possible offences relating to the use of blue-light emergency vehicles.

The employee is alleged to have “gone rogue” after failing his paramedic exams. He was dispatched to emergencies, some alone in a fast car, but mostly in an ambulance alongside a fully-trained paramedic, it is claimed.

The incidents centre on a two-week period in July in north-east London. Details came to light only this week when LAS published details of its latest “serious incidents”. No evidence has emerged of patients being harmed.

Scotland Yard said an investigation was launched after the matter was reported in July. A man was arrested two months later in Hornchurch.

“The 21-year-old was arrested on suspicion of fraud, burglary, theft by employee, assault by beating, dangerous driving, driving otherwise in accordance of license, and driving without insurance,” the Met said in a statement.

“He was taken into custody at a south London police station and later released under investigation. Inquiries are ongoing.”

The Care Quality Commission, the official NHS watchdog, last week carried out a two-day investigation at LAS headquarters after being alerted.

The London Ambulance Patients’ Forum said it was “shocked”. Chairman Malcolm Alexander said: “If these allegations are true, a fake paramedic could easily have been responsible for serious harm to a patient. It is now essential that the LAS demonstrates that it is 100 per cent certain that it can never happen again.”

LAS said it has now tightened its systems. A spokeswoman said: “As soon as we became aware of the activities of this individual, we initiated a full internal investigation, informed the police and contacted patients affected. The individual’s employment with us was also immediately ended.

“Following our investigation, we have improved, and will continue to improve, our security, systems and processes.”

NHS Improvement, the body which oversees the LAS, said: “NHS Improvement has supported LAS during its investigation and we continue to do so as the trust ensures lessons are learnt to prevent this happening again.”