The United Kingdom’s true coronavirus death toll is the highest in Europe and the second highest in the world, according to new figures.

Over 30,00 deaths involving Covid-19 have occurred in the UK since the start of the pandemic, the highest official toll yet reported in Europe.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed 29,648 deaths linked to coronavirus had taken place in England and Wales as of 24 April.

Including deaths for Scotland and Northern Ireland, the toll on this measure now exceeds 30,000. Scotland has so far reported 6,067 deaths and Northern Ireland has 1,882 deaths.

According to the ONS report, of the deaths registered up to 24 April, 71.8 per cent (19,643 deaths) occurred in hospital. 5,890 deaths took place in care homes, 1,306 in private homes and 301 in hospices.