More than 60 patients have died at city hospitals after a positive Covid test in the last week.

Some 59 Covid-related fatalities were confirmed by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL). The patients who died at either the Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester General Hospital or Glenfield Hospital were aged between their 40s and 90s.

Another two Covid-related deaths, one man in his 90s receiving care at Rutland Memorial Hospital and another man in his 80s receiving care at the Evington Centre, were reported by Leicestershire Partnership Trust (LPT – which runs community hospitals).

The weekly update is lower than previous weeks when more than 80 deaths have been reported but still remains high.

A UHL spokesperson said: "Sadly, we can confirm that 1,152 patients being cared for at our hospitals, and who had tested positive for COVID-19, have died.

"59 of those deaths have been announced since last Wednesday (3 February).

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the patients at this very difficult and distressing time."

An LPT spokesperson said the two men who died while in its care both had underlying health conditions and added: "We have shared our deep condolences with their families and our thoughts remain with them and the many other families who have lost loved ones during this distressing time.

"We urge everyone to continue to follow the hands, face, space guidance, and stay home as much as possible."

Last week UHL bosses revealed that there were 500 Covid patients in Leicester's hospitals with 100 receiving advanced respiratory support.

Latest gov.uk figures show that 416 patients are being treated for Covid-19, with 67 on ventilation.

Nationally, the UK's coronavirus hospital death toll has increased by 739, the lowest increase on a Wednesday for six weeks.

England reported 664 new fatalities, Scotland had 50, Wales recorded 21, and Northern Ireland had four.

It is the lowest Wednesday total since 556 deaths were reported on December 30, and the latest sign that daily fatalities are trending downwards, mirroring the trend in confirmed cases.