COVID-19: Number of UK coronavirus deaths passes 50,000

The number of people who have died with coronavirus in the UK has passed 50,000, according to government figures which highlight the devastating impact of the virus on the country. /VCG

The number of people who have died with coronavirus in the UK has passed 50,000, according to government figures which highlight the devastating impact of the virus on the country.

A further 595 deaths were announced on Wednesday, bringing the country's total to 50,365.

It marks a significant moment in the pandemic for the UK, which has been one of the countries hardest hit by the virus with Europe's highest recorded number of deaths.

Since the first cases in the UK were confirmed in late January after the outbreak began in China, tens of thousands of British families have faced the pain of losing loved ones from the disease - and the country has endured months of restrictions on our daily lives.

The government has also faced criticism over its handling of the crisis, with care homes ravaged by the virus and questions over whether the country entered lockdown too late in March.

The tragic stories of coronavirus deaths in the UK have included the oldest known victim, 108-year-old Hilda Churchill who had survived the Spanish flu pandemic, and the youngest victim; a 13-day-old baby.

(With input from agencies)