The number of new COVID-19 cases recorded in the United Kingdom rose for the second day in a row following seven days of falls, government data shows.

31,117 infections have been reported in the latest 24-hour period, along with 85 further deaths.

The figures compare with 27,734 cases and 91 deaths announced on Wednesday.

Last Thursday, the Kingdom reported 39,906 cases and 84 more deaths related to the virus.

The seven-day average for infections was 37.1 percent down from the previous week, but fatalities were up by 28.9 percent.

Since the start of the pandemic, 129,515 people have died in the UK within 28 days of a positive COVID test.

(With input from agencies)