A DORSET cyber crime expert is urging people to continue to report suspicious emails during the coronavirus crisis.

Chris Conroy, Dorset Police's Cyber Protect Officer, said a new service launched this week makes it even easier to report concerns.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) launched report@phishing.gov.uk which allows people to forward emails they are worried about.

Mr Conroy said: "Defeating cyber criminals who would exploit the increased use of internet devices during the coronavirus lockdown is a national effort, but it is absolutely the case that all local reports help organisations like the NCSC. Please keep reporting online and email scams."

Nationally more than 2,000 online scams relating to coronavirus have been removed including 471 fake online shops claiming to sell virus-related items and 200 phishing sites seeking personal information.

He added: "The other important thing to do is to share your knowledge of scams and cybercrime with family, friends and neighbours who may be vulnerable but who may not be aware of the advice and warnings issued by Dorset Police and nationally. Now is the perfect time to talk about cyber crime, scams, and fraud."

More information is available at ncsc.gov.uk/information/report-suspicious-emails