The number of recorded coronavirus cases has increased every south east London borough as the effects of lockdown easing begin to take hold.

Public Health England's latest figures show a rise in case rates across most of London, and as concern of the Indian variant grows, affected areas have seen some of the biggest spikes.

Blackburn with Darwen currently has the highest rate of virus cases with 446.2 cases per 100,000 people, and whilst the surge in Bolton is now falling, 1,079 new cases were still recorded in the area in the last week.

Both local authority areas have been highlighted as hotspots for the spread of mutant Indian variant VOC-21APR-02, but the same variant has now also been found in all south east London boroughs, and may lead to a new wave of cases, scientists fear.

PA

PA

On Thursday Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the Indian variant is spreading and the latest estimates show it makes up more than half - and possibly as many as three-quarters - of all new Covid cases.

The latest figures from PHE, accurate for the seven days up to May 28 (the most recent days are excluded for accuracy), are based on the number of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in either a lab-reported or rapid lateral flow test, by specimen date.

PA Graphics

PA Graphics

The 'Covid-19 infection rate' is expressed as the number of new cases per 100,000 people.

And cases have been creeping up across the region. In Greenwich, the borough with the highest rate in the region, 98 new virus cases were recorded in the last week.

Its case rate is up from 29.2 to 34.0.

The Indian variant now accounts for up to 75% of new cases in England, according to Matt Hancock.

The Indian variant now accounts for up to 75% of new cases in England, according to Matt Hancock.

Bromley is close behind with an infection rate of 33.1, also rising from 23.2 last week after 110 new cases were recorded.

Lewisham's case rate is 23.2, up from 11.4, after 71 new cases were recorded.

In Bexley, just 44 cases were recorded, giving the lowest case rate of 17.7. This is still an increase from 15.7 last week.

Nearby, Dartford's case rate is close to the rest of the region, with 33.7 after a small surge, and Southwark has recorded 28.2.

Croydon saw 167 new cases, giving the borough a case rate of 43.2.

Of the 315 local areas in England, 211 (67%) have seen a rise in rates, 96 (30%) have seen a fall and eight are unchanged.

PA

PA

The list has been calculated by the PA news agency based on Public Health England data published on June 1 on the Government's coronavirus dashboard.

It is not known what proportion of these cases are linked to the Indian variant, but stats released earlier this week revealed that 183 cases have so far been identified in south east London.