LONDON Mayor Sadiq Khan has declared a 'major incident', as the spread of COVID in the Capital is 'out of control.'

The coronavirus infection rate in London has exceeded 1,000 per 100,000 people, according to the latest figures from Public Health England.

However, the Office for National Statistics estimates that as many as one in 30 Londoners has the virus.

The Mayor goers a step further and told the BBC that in some parts of the city, that figure rises to one in 20.

Mr Khan said more than 7,000 people are in hospital due to COVID, 35% higher than last spring.

The major incident declaration will allow key agencies to coordinate a special response to the coronavirus crisis.

"Today I have declared a major incident in London because the threat this virus poses to our city is at crisis point.

"One in 30 Londoners now has Covid-19," Mr Khan said on Friday.

"If we do not take immediate action now, our NHS could be overwhelmed and more people will die."

Matt Twist of the Met Police said: "There can be no doubt that right now we find ourselves at a serious and dangerous crossroads for London; everyone must look at this news and understand that our health service is nearing breaking point.

"I know Londoners will be shocked that officers are still dealing with a small selfish minority who think the rules don't apply to them by holding house parties, large warehouse raves or other gatherings.

"These are creating breeding grounds for the much more transmissible variant.

"The Met has issued refreshed instructions to officers to issue fines more quickly to anyone committing obvious, wilful and serious breaches.

"That is happening and it will continue to happen.

"My message to the majority who are sticking to the rules is 'thank you'.

"You are London's unsung heroes and your actions are undoubtedly helping to save lives.

"To those who have broken the rules or are thinking of doing so, I urge you to see the bigger picture otherwise you face enforcement action - and risk losing family or friends and leaving an indelible impact on your community."

Earlier this morning, the country's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Witty told the BBC that we are still to hit the peak of the current outbreak and cases will continue to rise, unless people obey the rules and stay at home.