Dyson told Covid-19 ventilators are 'no longer required'

Dyson says its medical ventilators that were designed to help treat patients with coronavirus are no longer required.

The company, which is based in Malmesbury in Wiltshire, started making the machines after the Government issued an appeal to UK businesses.

Having invested more than £20million in the project, company founder Sir James Dyson said his staff had “worked around the clock” to develop the ventilators.

In a statement he confirmed he would be footing the multi-million pound bill, and that Dyson would not be accepting any public money to cover the cost of the project.

Dyson's ventilators are now no longer required, according to Sir James Dyson. Credit: Dyson

But in a note to employees, the businessman said the demand for ventilators had been less than first envisaged - and that the majority would no longer be required.

For the latest updates on coronavirus in the West Country, including case numbers, event cancellations and venue closures, click here.

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know