Police investigate HIV exposure claims

The allegation has arisen after a man in his 20s – known only as “Matt” to protect his identity – told officers from Corstorphine police station he received abusive messages from a man he had recently slept with, boasting he didn’t wear a condom.

After reading the messages and experiencing symptoms, Matt told Buzzfeed News he was tested and diagnosed with HIV at the end of last year.

Since then, three other men have reportedly come forward saying they have received similar messages.

Matt told police he had met the unnamed man through gay dating app Grindr in July, with the pair later having sex in the man’s Edinburgh flat.

Despite asking the man to use a condom, Matt afterwards suspected one hadn’t been used – and later received abusive, gloating messages apparently confirming this was the case.

The HIV status of the man behind the abusive messages is not known.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Edinburgh are currently investigating this matter and are looking to speak with a number of individuals as part of this inquiry to establish the full circumstances.”

Dona Milne, deputy director of public health at NHS Lothian, said: “We are assisting police with their enquiries and it would be inappropriate to comment further on an individual case.

“However, we would encourage men to look at the information provided by HIV Scotland on their website about the risks of HIV transmission and to make contact with services for testing and advice if they have concerns.”