THE capital will be placed under the strictest tier of local lockdown-style restrictions, according to MPs briefed by the Health Secretary.

Matt Hancock is set to confirm that London and parts of the South-East will go into Tier 3 restrictions in an address in the House of Commons.

It comes as the decision on whether the North-East will continue under Tier 3 measures will be made later this week.

SEE MORE: When the North-East will find out what tier it's in over Christmas

Three MPs on the call told Press Association that Mr Hancock said the measures will be imposed from 00.01 on Wednesday to slow the spread of Covid.

MPs briefed on the plans said a sharp rise in cases meant Mr Hancock was unable to wait until the scheduled review of England’s tiers later this week.

One MP said they were told that cases are doubling every seven days in the capital.

Mr Hancock is expected to use his statement to outline the financial support available to the Tier 3 areas.

This follows warnings from London Mayor Sadiq Khan that Tier 3 restrictions – which will involve the closure of pubs and restaurants except for takeaway and delivery services – would have a “catastrophic” economic impact.