London will be plunged deeper into lockdown within days - and potentially with just 12 hours' notice - amid fears the 'superspreader city' is driving the UK's coronavirus outbreak.

After the daily death rate doubled to 33 yesterday, residents in the capital are set for tighter restrictions on their movements - with signs the government will urge people to stay at home unless it is absolutely essential. 

Plans are believed to be in place for police to guard shops and helicopters to airdrop food, although sources insisted that is not happening at this stage in the unfolding crisis. 

Camp beds and food stocks were seen being moved into Downing Street today, in more evidence that Boris Johnson and his aides are bunkering down for the situation to escalate.