The UK recorded 21,331 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday - up from 18,804 yesterday, official government figures show, bringing the total number of total confirmed cases in the UK to 762,542.

There were also another 241 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test, triple the figure posted on Monday when 80 were recorded.

This is the highest daily deaths figure since 258 were reported on 5 June, Sky News reported, noting however that there is often a delay in reporting deaths over the weekend therefore causing a spike in the early part of the week. 

The death toll currently stands at 43,967.

(With input from agencies)