Boris Johnson: Christmas cancelled by surging mutant coronavirus

Christmas plans for millions of families were in chaos last night after tougher coronavirus restrictions were introduced to contain a more infectious strain of the virus.

Boris Johnson unveiled tier 4 restrictions for London, the southeast and parts of eastern England that will prevent 16.4 million people from mixing indoors over the festive period.

The decision to scrap the planned relaxation of Covid rules for Christmas was blamed on the spread of the mutant strain, which has sent infection rates spiralling.

Minsters alerted the World Health Organisation to the outbreak and expect other countries to stop UK residents from passing through their borders.

The strain, VUI2020/12/01, is thought to account for the majority of new infections in London, where intensive care units are already operating