Two people being cared for at Colchester Hospital have died after contracting coronavirus, it has been confirmed.

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which operates Ipswich and Colchester hospitals, announced the deaths on Wednesday, March 25.

Both patients were in their 80s and had underlying health conditions.

The trust has confirmed both patients were being treated at Colchester Hospital but has not given any further details regarding their identities.

Nick Hulme, chief executive at the trust, said: “We can confirm that sadly, two patients in their 80s who had underlying health conditions have passed away at ESNEFT. They had tested positive for COVID-19.

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patient’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Since the outbreak began in the UK, 422 people have died after testing positive for the virus.