The number of coronavirus deaths passed 500 at Southend Hospital in the latest 24-hour period, the latest official figures show.

NHS England figures show 517 people had died in hospital at Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as of 5pm on Wednesday (January 13).

That was an increase of 28 compared to Tuesday, when there were 489.

It means there have been 77 deaths in the past week, up from 75 the previous week.

And seven new coronavirus deaths have been recorded at Basildon Hospital in the latest 24-hour period.

NHS England figures show 652 people had died in hospital at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as of 5pm on Wednesday (January 13).

That was an increase of seven compared to Tuesday, when there were 645.

It means there have been 55 deaths in the past week, down from 60 the previous week.

The victims were among 6,330 deaths recorded across the East of England.

Daily death counts are revised each day, with each case backdated to the actual date of death.

This means some of the deaths that were first recorded in the latest period may actually have taken place days earlier.

NHS England guidance states: "Confirmation of Covid-19 diagnosis, death notification and reporting in central figures can take up to several days and the hospitals providing the data are under significant operational pressure."

Only deaths that occur in hospitals where the patient has tested positive for Covid-19 are recorded, with deaths in the community excluded, such as those in care homes.