THE Dorset Police officer hospitalised after testing positive for coronavirus said he has lost two stone since falling ill.

The constable had been hospitalised with a suspected blood clot on his lung, according to the Dorset Police Federation.

He fell ill after policing an anti-lockdown protest, although the infection cannot be directly linked back to the incident.

And providing an update on the officer’s condition, a spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “He is home now recovering.

“He is still experiencing shortness of breath and is unable to do simple tasks without feeling fatigued.

“He has lost two stone since testing positive.

“We continue to support him and his family.”

After the officer was hospitalised, Dorset Police assistant chief constable Sam de Reya said: “While the officers’ infection could not be directly linked to what happened, it puts into perspective the dangerous nature of policing.

“Our officers and staff have remained on the frontline throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, putting themselves in harm’s way to engage with our communities, protect the vulnerable, enforce Covid-19 regulations and tackle crime.

"We are incredibly proud of them.”