A further eight cases of the new Omicron COVID-19 variant have been identified in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported.

That brings the total number of confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529 in the United Kingdom to 22.

Those who have tested positive and their contacts are all isolating, the UKHSA said, and work is underway to identify any links to travel to southern Africa.

The UKHSA has identified cases in the East Midlands, East of England, London and North West, and is carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to be infectious.

Nine cases have also been identified in Scotland, with five cases in the Lanarkshire area and four in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.

(With input from agencies)