The Government has warned Londoners to avoid strenuous physical activity on Friday, January 14 due to "very high" levels of pollution.

As reported by The Guardian the poor air quality is the result of an intense area of high pressure covering western Europe.

The associated lack of air movement means emissions from vehicles and other pollutants are not blown away as they usually would be.

Older people and those with lung or heart issues have been advised to avoid strenuous activity altogether.

Meanwhile, even healthy people should reduce outdoor exertion, especially if they begin experiencing symptoms like a cough or a sore throat.

News Shopper: The expansion of the Ultra low emission zone scheme has been one of the measures taken to try and tackle air pollution in the capital (PA)The expansion of the Ultra low emission zone scheme has been one of the measures taken to try and tackle air pollution in the capital (PA) (Image: PA Media)

It is predicted that the pollution level will hit band 10 on the Government's Daily Air Quality Index.

This is the highest level on the scale, and has not been reached since March 2018.

The worst pollution is forecast to be in the city centre, with the dirtiest air stretching from Stratford in the east to Hammersmith in the west, though pollution levels are expected to be high throughout the entire city.

Efforts have been made previously to tackle air pollution in London, such as with the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scheme.

Pollution level are expected to return to normal on Saturday, January 15.