First cases of worrying Manaus variant of Covid-19 found in UK

A police officer speaks to people in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, during England's third national lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Public Health England (PHE) have identified the first UK cases of the Manaus variant of coronavirus, a new strain that may spread more rapidly and may respond less well to existing vaccines.

Up to six cases of the concerning variant first detected in the Brazilian city have been identified in Britain, three in England and three in Scotland, it emerged on Sunday.