Cineworld and Odeon close in Milton Keynes due to coronavirus pandemic

The move comes a day after PM Boris Johnson advised people to avoid crowded public venues.

An Odeon spokesperson said: "In line with the latest government guidance on Covid-19, we are temporarily closing our cinemas. We will continue to monitor the situation and look forward to welcoming back guests as soon possible.

A Cineworld spokesman said: "At Cineworld and Picturehouse we are committed to providing safe and healthy environments for our employees and guests and have therefore made the difficult decision to close our cinemas in UK and Ireland until further notice.

He added: "We deeply value our cinema-loving customers and have no doubt we will be serving everyone again as soon as possible with a full slate of Hollywood blockbusters and the best of independent films and content."