The United Kingdom has recorded 9,055 new COVID infections, the highest daily total since February.

There were also a further nine coronavirus-related deaths in the latest 24-hour period, according to the latest government data.

The figures compare with 7,673 cases and 10 deaths announced on Tuesday, while 7,540 infections and six fatalities were recorded this time last week.

Today's number of cases is the highest since 25 February, when 9,985 new infections were reported.

It comes as another 190,033 people had their first dose of a COVID vaccine on Tuesday, taking the total to 42,021,089.

Also 230,666 had their second jab, meaning 30,440,373 have now been fully vaccinated in the UK.

Tuesday marked a key milestone when the government announced more than 30 million adults had received both shots as the country grapples with the spread of the Delta variant, first detected in India.

(With input from agencies)