Prime Minister Boris Johnson expects football fans to be back inside stadiums by October

In stepping out the next steps in the UK's response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Prime Minister said supporters could soon return providing they pass a series of successful trials to ensure safety measures.

"We will pilot larger gatherings in venues like sports stadiums with a view to a wider reopening in the autumn," Johnson said on Friday.

"From October, we intend to bring back audiences in stadiums.

"Again, these changes must be done in a Covid-secure way, subject to the successful outcome of pilots."

Some sports, including football and cricket, have resumed behind closed doors after the Covid-19 lockdown.

But from August 1, there will be a slew of new freedoms, including re-opening indoor performances.

The PM says he hopes the UK will return to "significant" normality by the middle of November, with the remainder of restrictions eased "possibly for Christmas".

He says the plan "remains conditional" but if the UK pulls together, the UK can win its "long fight" against the virus.