Prime minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus, Downing Street has confirmed.

The 55-year-old took a test on the advice of England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty after displaying 'mild symptoms' of the virus.

He is now self-isolating but will continue to run the country while he is fit and well enough to do so.

In a video he posted on his Twitter page, the PM said: "Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus.

"I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government's response via video-conference as we fight this virus.

"Together we will beat this."

It has also been confirmed that foreign secretary Dominic Raab will step in for the Prime Minister if Mr Johnson becomes too ill to carry out his duties.

The PM's last public appearance came on Thursday when he stepped out of Downing Street to take part in the 'clap for carers' for NHS staff.

A total of 578 people have now died from the virus in the UK, while there are more than 11,600 confirmed cases.