Lockdown tightened as cases increase in Leicester

The UK’s first full local lockdown has been announced in Leicester, with stricter measures imposed in the city.

Non-essential shops will shut on Tuesday, and schools will close for most pupils on Thursday because of a rise in coronavirus cases.

The loosening of restrictions for pubs and restaurants in England on Saturday will also not be taking place there.

The health secretary said measures would be enforced by police “in some cases”.

Matt Hancock said the city had “10% of all positive cases in the country over the past week”.

It comes after the city council reported 944 positive tests in the two weeks to 23 June – about one in 16 of the total UK cases during that period.

The health secretary told the House of Commons on Monday evening: “We recommend to people in Leicester, stay at home as much as you can, and we recommend against all but essential travel to, from and within Leicester.”

He added the new local measures would be in place for at least two weeks, but kept under constant review.