Police investigating a report of a Bishop's Stortford hair salon trading in breach of Covid-19 regulations found it was hosting an online Christmas shopping event for charity.

Jackie Colman, co-owner with husband Perry of Hair by Elements in South Street and Urban Spa in Devoils Lane, staged two Zoom sessions last Friday afternoon and evening to exhibit products available to buy at the salons.

Both are closed to customers under the national lockdown, so Jackie decided to hold a virtual Christmas shopping event to generate revenue, treat customers and raise money for Isabel Hospice.

"All we were trying to do was create a little bit of magic," she said. "We thought 'How can we make something to lift people's spirits and bring a bit of normality?'"

The online shoppers were asked to donate £5 each but many gave more generously. In return they received a goody bag, worth over £50, filled with gifts and vouchers donated by local businesses including Coco's Chocolaterie, Muse Boutique, Mie-Style, Finery & Co and Fredericks of London. There was also a little bottle of fizz or wine to enjoy while watching the web showcase.

The event, which had been planned for around four weeks, was publicised on social media. In both salons, five members of staff – who had formed a support bubble with colleagues – took turns to present or film the products.

Everything went well until the evening session, when two police officers pulled up outside Hair by Elements and knocked on the door.

"They said some people have reported you saying you're open for business," Jackie said.

She explained that she was hosting a virtual Christmas market for charity. The officers politely and apologetically explained they had to investigate the report. "They said we can see you've done nothing wrong whatsoever," said Jackie.

"For someone to do this is outrageous," she said. "It put a bit of a dampener on it."

The police visit was particularly frustrating for Jackie as she has gone to every effort to adhere to Government Covid-19 regulations.

"The team wear visors and a mask and all the PPE (personal protective equipment) gear. Every guest gets their own gown and every guest gets their own mask because we have a duty of care. We comply above and beyond."

In spite of the incident, Jackie's event was hailed a success, raising £300 for Isabel Hospice.

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The charity's stalwart Stortford supporters' group chair, Renee Friend, who 'attended' the afternoon session, said: "This sum could fund our Isabel community nurses to visit and support two patients and their families on Christmas Day in our town.

"We are extremely grateful to Jackie and her team and everyone who supported this event."