A pharmacy in Trowbridge has run out of face masks as fears over the deadly swine flu increases in Wiltshire.

The results of mouth swabs taken from seven people suspected of having the disease are still awaited. NHS Wiltshire is expected to release the results later today.

One pharmacy in Trowbridge had run out of protective face masks by yesterday, bought up by people worried about the possibility of a pandemic. This is despite health experts warning that face masks would offer little protecting in the event of a full blown pandemic.

Manager Wendy Holloway, of Lauder and Gamlin chemist in Wingfield Road, Trowbridge, said: “We have had lots of phone calls about swine flu.

“The staff have been trying their best to get lots of surgical masks but we weren’t able to get any so we got in some dust masks. As soon as we got them in, they sold out.

“We are finding it is mainly people who have had chemotherapy and have no immune system.

“We can’t get any more masks in at the moment, not even the dust masks.

“In terms of people wanting to protect themselves this country is just not geared up for it.”

Duncan Jones, manager of NCC chemist in The Cornmarket, Warminster, said: “We already had face masks before it all broke but beyond that as a company I don’t think we have been instructed to carry out anything in particular.

“Obviously it is going to possibly become very big and yes we will probably have a lot of people inquiring over the next few days.”

Pharmacist Agnieszka Jankowska-nierodzik, of Boots Chemist in Prospect Place, Trowbridge, said they were expecting an influx of inquiries about swine flu but warned people not to panic.

Meanwhile Limpley Stoke Parish Council near Bradford on Avon has issued safety advice to residents on its website.

The World Health Organisation has warned that a flu pandemic is imminent last night and advised all countries to put into action their contingency plans now. There are five confirmed cases in the UK, including a 12-year-old girl from Devon.