A COLEG Cambria student "purposefully coughed" in the face of a member of the public in a "despicable" incident.

Coleg Cambria has issued a statement saying it is investigating the incident that is said to have occurred in Wrexham on Thursday.

It comes just a day after a "small number" of Coleg Cambria students tested positive for coronavirus.

A spokesperson for the college said: "It has been reported that a Coleg Cambria student approached a member of the public, infringing on their personal space, and purposefully coughed in their face and together with other Coleg Cambria students laughed at the member of the public, who was clearly distressed as a result of this act.

"May we remind all our students that such as act is a criminal offence, based on legislation introduced as part of the response to the COVID pandemic, and this matter is being reported to the police who will investigate. Upon the identification of the person (s) carrying out this offence, they will be arrested and charged potentially with common assault."

The college's spokesperson added: "This is a despicable act and does not reflect our college value of Respect for ourselves, each other and our local communities and none of us would wish for our family members or friends to be subjected to such an offence.

"The college will take every action possible to assist with any investigation, and any students identified as committing this offence will be permanently removed from the college, on the grounds of gross misconduct, in accordance with the college's student disciplinary Policy and Code of Conduct.

"If you have any information regarding this incident that you wish to disclosure to the college please contact Student Services on your campus or email studentservices@cambria.ac.uk"