Brentford will join the rest of London and other parts of the South East in Tier 4 after Boris Johnson announced tougher restrictions.

It comes as scientists are becoming increasingly concerned about a new variant of Covid-19 which spreads faster.

The prime minister made his announcement just days after the area was put into the higher tier 3 following a surge in cases.

He said the new restrictions would come into force from midnight.

Tier 4 means that non-essential shops, salons, barbers gyms etc will be forced to close.

Other restrictions announced by the PM include:

- People should not mix with other households

- No entering in or out of tier 4 areas

- People are not permitted to travel abroad unless for work

- You should work from home if your job allows

- You can only meet one person from another household in an outdoor public space

Mr Johnson said: "When the science changes, we must change our response."

The prime minister stressed that when the virus changes its method of "attack", so the country must change its method of "defence".

Mr Johnson said there was "no alternative open to me."

He added: "Christmas this year will be different, very different, but we must be realistic."