London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire will move into the highest level of COVID-19 restrictions on Wednesday.

The move is likely to see thousands of bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants close in the capital and surrounding areas after Tuesday night, except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services.

The Tier 3 measures, announced to MPs by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, will come into force at 00.01am on Wednesday.

Along with Greater London, the south and west of Essex will soon be under the "very high" alert level.

This includes Basildon, Brentwood, Harlow, Epping Forest, Castle Point, Rochford, Maldon, Braintree and Chelmsford, along with Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea borough councils.

The south of Hertfordshire will also move into Tier 3, which includes Broxbourne, Hertsmere, Watford and the Three Rivers local authority.

(With input from agencies)