Covid-19: Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Swindon in tier 3

Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Swindon will be escalated to tier three of coronavirus restrictions on Boxing Day, the health secretary has said.

Matt Hancock said there were "early signs of the new variant" across the country.

He said that although some areas have not been "as badly affected" some increases appear to be "quite stark".

South Gloucestershire remains in tier three while North Somerset moves into it. Wiltshire stays in tier two.

Other areas, including Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Sussex, will be moved into tier four.

Bristol and North Somerset were moved into tier two from three on 19 December, while South Gloucestershire remained in tier three - very high alert.

Tier three had been imposed on South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset after the national lockdown ended on 2 December.

Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said the move would be "shattering" news for the city's hospitality sector but that rising rates meant "difficult decisions" were inevitable.

He said: "I know people will be disappointed we have moved back into tier three, but infection rates are increasing in Bristol and we must continue to protect each other.

"This Christmas and New Year will look very different to last year, but if we all continue doing the best we can to follow guidelines and protect one another, we can be hopeful of a return to the things we love next year."

David Fothergill, the leader of Somerset County Council, said the numbers had gone up "quite significantly" in the county in recent weeks, and it was "not really a surprise" the area would move to tier three.

"I think it's the right move for us to try to protect the NHS and social care services," he said.

"There's a strong argument that we should have gone straight to tier four, but if we make tier three work... then we may avoid tier four."

Conservative MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, Ian Liddell-Grainger, said he was "bitterly disappointed" Somerset would be placed in tier three.

"I know many traders are going to feel this as a particular blow at a time when they were relying on New Year business to repair some of the damage they have suffered from two lockdowns," he said.

In tier three, hospitality venues are closed but other retail can remain open.

Gyms are allowed to operate but classes and other group activities must not take place.