FAST food retailer McDonald's has announced that it is closing restaurants because of the Coronavirus.

In a statement is said: "We have taken the difficult decision to close all McDonald's restaurants in the UK and Ireland by 7pm on Monday, March 23 at the latest.

"This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but one made with the well-being and safety of our employees in mind as well as the best interests of our customers.

"We will work with our local community groups to responsibly distribtue food and drink from our restaurants in the coming days.

"Thank you to our brilliant employees for their hard work during this incredibly challenging time.

"We look forward to seeing you all again as soon as it is safe for us to reopen."