THE police are advising people to be wary of “distressing” hoax emails claiming to be from an NHS body.

The emails, which purport to be from the National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE), inform the recipient that as a result of a recent blood test, cancer is suspected and they should contact their GP.

The recipients are advised to download their results from a link, which may contain malware that displays a false warning to entice the victim to buy rogue anti-spyware products.

Inspector Pete Little, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said anybody suspecting they have received such an email should delete it.

“This type of hoax email can be very distressing for the victim,” he added.

“Currently, there haven't been any reports of this hoax to Dorset Police but I would still urge people to be wary of emails of this nature.”

Anyone with information or who suspects they have been targeted should call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.