Ruland MP Alicia Kearns has urged Leicester residents to stay away from Rutland, Melton and the Vale of Belvoir.

Her comments come as the Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced in parliament last night a 'local lockdown' for Leicester, following an upsurge of cases there.

The MP this morning also announced she was seeking clarification as to which parts of the Leicester area would be covered by the new local lockdown, including whether it might include parts of her constituency or Rutland.

Ms Kearns commented: "The Health Secretary has announced measures to tackle the high rate of COVID-19 infection in Leicester. We are very lucky in Rutland and Melton that overwhelmingly we are not part of the higher infection rate areas.

"A map will be released by Leicestershire County Council shortly will full details on which areas have higher COVID-19 infection rates. There may be some small villages in Rutland and Melton included in this list. I have pushed for the map to be published quickly.

"On my current understanding, Melton Mowbray, the Vale of Belvoir and Rutland are NOT included. Parts of the Market Harborough part of our constituency may be included.

She continued: "Over the last month the level of infection in Leicester has not reduced as it has across the rest of the country, this has impacted on some areas of the county.

"For this reason new restrictions are being brought in on those areas with higher infection rates. For next two weeks if you are in an area with higher infection rate, please stay at home as much as possible and only undertake essential travel.

"You may believe this only affects the elderly, that is not the case. The higher infection rates in Leicester are of those of working ages.

"Schools in the areas will close from Thursday and non-essential businesses will close too. Those businesses hoping to open on 4th will not be able to.

The MP explained: "This virus thrives on social contact so we must target it and reduce social contact in higher infection areas.

She added: "Please stay in your immediate home area.

"Do not travel to Melton Mowbray, the Vale of Belvoir or Rutland. It is your responsibility to stop the spread of the virus."