Mutant races across the UK

THE new mutated form of coronavirus has now spread to Wales and Scotland, after originating the South East England.

Scientists confirmed it is spreading faster than other forms. But they said their analysis does not suggest it causes more severe symptoms or can beat vaccines.

COG-UK experts are analysing genetic code from 140,000 Covid-19 patients at 16 sites around the UK.

They have identified hundreds of variants but say VUI – 202012/01 has caused concern because it is appearing more in areas where infection rates are rising quickest.

It displays 17 changes to the original virus – many more than previous variants.