Fans could return to UK stadiums in October, says Prime Minister

Fans could be able to return to stadiums in the UK from October, says Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Pilots will take place from 1 August but any stadium reopenings would be subject to coronavirus guidelines.

Some sports, including football and cricket, have resumed behind closed doors after the Covid-19 lockdown.

"We will pilot larger gatherings in venues like sports stadiums with a view to a wider reopening in the autumn," said Johnson on Friday.

"From October, we intend to bring back audiences in stadiums.

"Again, these changes must be done in a Covid-secure way, subject to the successful outcome of pilots."

Domestic competitive sport resumed on 1 June for the first time since mid-March, with football's Premier League and English Football League getting back under way on 17 and 20 June respectively.

International cricket, golf, horse racing and snooker are among the other sports to have resumed in the UK.

More than 45,000 people in the UK have died with coronavirus, while there have been more than 292,000 confirmed cases.

More to follow.