CUMBRIA has had confirmed cases of the 'Indian Variant' of coronavirus, it has been announced.

Cumbria's director of public health has said that there were a 'small number' of cases of the variant in the region, according to data revealed this morning.

This comes on the day that further lockdown restriction easings came into place.

The cases have been located in South Lakeland but no further information has yet become available.

Colin Cox, director of public health for Cumbria, said: "As of today we have had cases of the Indian Variant in Cumbria.

"At this stage we have only just received the results this morning."

He went on to highlight that this was only a small number of cases that had been confirmed.

According to some scientists, this variant could spread 50 per cent faster than the current dominant strain the 'Kent Variant'. However, health secretary Matt Hancock has said there is 'increasing confidence' that the vaccine is effective against this new strain.