A NHS worker died alone from coronavirus after picking up the bug while treating a London patient, his family said today.

Dad-of-six Thomas Harvey, 56, dedicated more than 20 years of his life to the NHS – tragically falling ill as the pandemic spreads across the country.

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His friend and colleague Margaret Barron today revealed the police had to break down his door after he stopped responding while in self-isolation.

The NHS phlebotomist set up a GoFundMe fundraiser for Thomas's family as the Goodmayes Hospital worker was remembered as "devoted" to his NHS job.

She said: "Unfortunately after treating a Covid-19 patient on his ward, he contracted the virus and passed away suddenly after fighting for his life for nearly two weeks."

Thomas leaves behind his wife of 22 years as well as six children and three grandchildren.

She said: "Thomas was a devoted member of the NHS for over 20 years and loved his job to the fullest.

"He looked after all his patients to the best of his ability and was loved by many.

"He was a cherished colleague, a husband, a father, a grandfather and a best friend."

Thousands have already been donated for Thomas – who is among the more than 1,400 people killed across the UK by the virus.

More than 200,000 cases have also been recorded as the Government desperately tries to stop the bug's spread.

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Sheffield and Slough today emerged as coronavirus hotspots close behind London as they face the biggest local outbreaks.

The Office for National Statistics today revealed deaths involving coronavirus were registered in all age groups apart from those aged under 15-years-old.

The highest number of deaths were recorded in people aged over 85-years-old.

At least 40 more people died of coronavirus outside hospital in the UK, the new figures revealed.

Meanwhile, the largest number of deaths in a specific region was 44 deaths in London.

According to the latest figures, 4.4 per ent of all deaths in London were due to coroanvirus.

The UK has been in lockdown over the pandemic this week, following strict social distancing rules in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus.

And Boris Johnson has warned things will “get worse before they get better”.

The PM is also expected to write to Brits, telling them that further lockdown measures could be enforced if needed.

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