THREE more people have died in Somerset after testing positive for the deadly coronavirus strain Covid-19.

The latest three deaths were at Musgrove Park Hospital, and follows last week's news that three other people had died in Taunton - taking the total number to six.

The number of confirmed cases in Somerset has also risen to 54, said a spokesman for Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust.

Of the three new deaths at Musgrove, one was recorded on Saturday, March 28, and the other two were on Sunday, March 29.

Across the UK, a further 486 people who tested positive for the disease have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 2,137.

The youngest among the UK's latest coronavirus victims was aged 13, and the oldest recorded death was 99 years of age.

Out of the 486 patients, 20 had no known underlying health conditions, including the 13-year-old, NHS England confirmed.

A spokesman added that all their families have been informed.

Earlier today, the family of 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, from Brixton, issued a statement through GoFundMe.

It said: "We are heartbroken as a family due to the devastation caused by the coronavirus as it becomes too real for us as a family and community.

"Ismail was a loving son, brother, nephew to our family and a friend to many people who knew him. His smile was heart-warming and he was always gentle and kind."

"As a family, we have decided not to release Ismail's picture at this juncture as we are concerned where it may end up and how this will impact us upon seeing it."

"We as a family are still trying to come to terms with the sudden death of Ismail. He leaves behind six siblings who are completely devastated and this has been made more difficult not being able to be with Ismail while he was in the hospital."

"Covid-19 is a virus that is attacking all members of our society, not just older people or those with pre-existing conditions. So please do everything you can to ensure that we adhere to social distancing; that people stay at home as much as they possibly can, to protect the NHS and save lives."