Coronavirus cases in Hounslow could be as high as 51 per 100,000 people, the borough's director of public health has said.

Hounslow's rate of new cases in the seven days to September 26 stands at 51.2 per 100,000 which is double the rate of new cases recorded up until September 19 at 25 per 100,000, according to figures obtained by the Press Association.

All areas across the borough have seen an increase but the worst affected are Heston West and Cranford which recorded 14 cases each in the week to September 26.

London has been placed on the government's national watchlist as concerns grow that coronavirus is spreading across the capital.

Hounslow is ranked as the sixth-highest authority to watch from the London group of councils.

Hounslow's director of public health Kelly O'Neill said: "In Hounslow, COVID-19 cases are rising. The virus can spread quickly if we drop our guard and London is now on the national watch list because of this increase in cases.

"Although the cases are mainly in our working age population, we need to prevent spread to our more vulnerable people.

"Now is the time for us to take action together and in doing so keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe.

"If we do this we can contain the spread of the virus; we can avoid another lockdown, keep Hounslow open, support our businesses and keep priority services, including schools, open."

She said people should "be mindful" of their actions, and warned the biggest risks are mingling in crowds, confined spaces or being in close contact with others.

People eligible for the flu vaccine should get it as soon as possible, said Ms O'Neill

She added: "The risk of severe illness and death more than doubles for people who test positive for flu and COVID-19."

"If you are eligible for your flu vaccine, prioritise one thing today - protect yourself from the double threat of flu and coronavirus. Make an appointment with your GP or visit your local pharmacist."