Drinkers warned to cut down alcohol intake amid ‘liver disease crisis’ 

WINE O'CLOCK: Gastroenterologist Frank Murray warns that liver damage and cirrhosis can affect habitual drinkers and not just people dependent on alcohol. Stock picture: Alamy

Habitual drinkers are being advised to “cut down substantially” on their wine and pints as new research warns of an “escalating public health crisis” from liver disease across Europe.

Reports published today by the New Lancet Commission say that almost 780 people die every day in Europe from cirrhosis or liver cancer — a death toll that has risen 50% since 2000.