A NUMBER of police officers in Oldham have tested positive for coronavirus and are self-isolating.

Greater Manchester Police has also confirmed that a number of "other officers" are self-isolating "as a precaution".

However, GMP has not commented on speculation on social media that the outbreak is linked to officers attending golf days jointly last week.

Former senior GMP detective Pete Jackson said on Twitter that around 20 officers in Oldham are isolating after two who attended the alleged golf session tested positive.

The statement from GMP said: "A number of officers from Oldham are currently self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.

"As a precaution and in line with government guidance as well as our policy, several other officers are also self-isolating.

"Earlier this year, we developed Covid-19 contingency plans which have been successfully executed to ensure the operational impact of infections is limited.

"GMP continues to ensure all staff and officers are aware of guidance regarding symptoms.

"When staff/officers test positive, an internal track and trace system is used and if there are indications that there are learnings then we work with both individuals and the organisation to implement changes and minimise future infections within the force."

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said in April that around a fifth of his workforce - some 1,865 GMP staff - had to self-isolate.