All mass gatherings and sports events are set to be banned from next weekend, it can be revealed.
In a major escalation of the coronavirus crisis, ministers are preparing to introduce emergency legislation early next week to allow this.
The unprecedented move puts key summer events such as the Glastonbury Festival, VE Day commemorations, Chelsea Flower Show, Wimbledon tennis championships, the Grand National and Royal Ascot under threat.
It comes after sports bodies confirmed the postponement of the London Marathon, the suspension of Premier League football matches and the cancellation of the England cricket team's Sri Lanka tour.