Up to two cases of the Indian variant of coronavirus have been detected in Southend, new figures suggest.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said up to three-quarters of new coronavirus cases nationally are the Indian variant, though he stressed the vaccines are helping to keep hospital admissions down.

Public Health England has been tracking the spread of the B.1.617.2 mutation – which originated in India – by testing positive Covid-19 cases across the country for an "S-gene".

The gene is not present in the dominant Kent variant, which was responsible for a surge in cases over the winter, but is present in other variants of concern, including those from India.

Scientists have determined that the vast majority of the S-gene specimens identified across England are the Indian variant.

PHE data shows two positive cases of the S-gene were identified in Southend by May 25, from samples taken in the week to May 21.

The health body had not identified any cases before that point.

Up to two more cases of the Indian variant of coronavirus have been detected in Basildon, new figures reveal.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said up to three-quarters of new coronavirus cases nationally are the Indian variant, though he stressed the vaccines are helping to keep hospital admissions down.

No cases of the Indian variant of coronavirus have yet been detected in Castle Point, new figures suggest.