16:24

The alleged presence of coronavirus that led to the closure of a GP practice in north London was a false alarm, it is understood.

Ritchie Street surgery in Islington blamed the virus for its decision to shut in a notice on its door.

It said: “Practice is closed until 14/02/2020 due to the coronavirus. Any patients that have the symptoms should call 111 and not come to the practice.”

However, no patients from or staff at the practice have tested positive for the virus, it has now emerged.

It remains unclear why the surgery management took the decision to shut.

NHS officials believe that the management may have done so as a precaution after testing a patient who suspected that they may have contracted the virus.