The crew of a Royal Navy warship have been forced to return to shore and isolate over Christmas after an outbreak of coronavirus on board.

HMS Northumberland, which is designed to hunt for submarines, had been on call to protect UK waters over the festive period.

The Type 23 frigate was forced to return to Devonport Naval Base, near Plymouth, on Wednesday.

A Royal Navy spokeswoman said: “Following a number of suspected Covid cases onboard HMS Northumberland, the crew are now following health guidelines and protocols to isolate.

“The Royal Navy continues to meet all operational tasks over Christmas, as it has done throughout this pandemic.”