ATTEMPTS to reassure the public over fears that Ebola could spread over here were hampered yesterday following warnings that border staff were not prepared to deal with people with the disease coming to Britain.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said it was “most unlikely” it could spread here but warned the outbreak was a “very serious threat.” Health experts have met to discuss the possibility of people contracting the virus in west Africa before becoming sick here.

Public Health England has warned health officials to be on the lookout for any unexplained illness in people returning from the affected countries.