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BRITAIN'S gay capital issued a public health alert today over fears a man has been "sabotaging" condoms to pass on HIV to his gay lovers.

Police are investigating claims the man deliberately put at risk partners who thought they were practising safe sex.

An unnamed man in his twenties - with a Scottish accent - has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Health chiefs in Brighton said today they had "serious concerns" over the transmission of the infection in the city (population 273,000).

The city's public health director Dr Tom Scanlon said: "I am therefore asking any man who may have had sexual contact with a man of this description between October 2015 and mid February 2016 to contact local sexual health services.



"Service providers will be able to offer advice on whether further testing is required.



"HIV is a serious condition, and there are other sexually transmitted infections which can be acquired during unsafe sex.



"Early diagnosis and treatments are available and the message of safe sex with the clear and consistent use of condoms remains as strong as ever.



"We are working closely with the police, Public Health England and our partners in sexual health services on this matter.



"I would encourage anyone with concerns relating to this individual to contact their local sexual health services."

The suspect is currently on bail. Police said he has also recently been bailed in Scotland in relation to other matters.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Sussex Police is investigating reports that a man has been intentionally putting sexual partners at risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases by deliberately sabotaging safe sex practices.

"This is believed to have taken place in Brighton between October last year and February 2016.



"The man is in his 20s and has a Scottish accent. The suspect has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and is currently on police bail.



"The police are appealing for anyone who thinks they may have had a sexual encounter with this man to come forward so that any relevant information can be investigated."

Anyone with health concerns should call the Terrence Higgins Trust on 01273 764200 or Claude Nicol Centre on 01273 523388.

In 2014, it was estimated that between 11 and 15 per cent of people over 16 living in Brighton were either gay, lesbian or bi-sexual. In the first UK census to record gay relationships, 2,544 people in Brighton - 1.29 per cent of the population - said they lived in a same-sex household in 2001.sex