London couple mourn death of parents amid spike

A London couple who have each lost a parent during the  coronavirus pandemic have spoken of the "traumatic" impact it has had on their lives.

Naeem Sheikh and his wife Aisha live in Newham, a densely populated, racially diverse area of east London and one of the most deprived in the city, which has been hard hit by the virus.

Naeem's 82-year-old father died in April from COVID-19, five days after being admitted to hospital after developing a temperature.

Abdul Karim Sheikh was a long standing councillor and an active member of the community.

Aisha's mother, 76-year-old Parveen Fayyaz, died seven days before her father-in-law.

Naeem told British broadcaster Sky News of the difficulties he's faced since his father's death and of concerns he may have unwittingly infected him through his job as a teacher.

More than three million people in the UK have tested positive for the coronavirus and 81,000 have died - 30,000 in just the last 30 days.

In the last week 5,000 positive cases were recorded in Newham.

Medical staff are also at breaking point.

Dr Zudin Puthucheary, a critical care consulant and member of the Intensive Care Society Council, has warned hospitals in London are struggling to cope and "everywhere is full beyond bursting."