Police have warned the public over fake social media reports about thieves handing out face masks with “anaesthetic properties”.

A police spokesman said the message claimed people should beware of people who claimed to be “government workers” distributing masks.

He said: “The post suggests these masks contain some form of anaesthetic property which renders individuals incapacitated after they follow the ‘government workers’ instructions that they be tried to ensure proper fit.

“The post claims that once incapacitated persons are then robbed of valuables by these individuals portraying themselves as government employees.

“The BPS wishes to inform the public, it has not issued any such notice.

“Investigations have revealed the notice originated in another jurisdiction and is now being circulated here.”

The spokesman added that anyone who got the message should delete without forwarding it to others.

He said: “Any BPS advisories to the public are issued via the local print and broadcast media, as well as via our own social media pages.”