The heatwaves that Britain experienced last summer killed almost 900 pensioners in England, official data has shown.

The second heatwave, which ran from 21-28 July, was the deadliest, Public Health England (PHE) said.

That period included the hottest day, 25 July, when the mercury rose to 38.7C (101.66F) in Cambridge, breaking the record for the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK.

Image: Ilkley outdoor pool and lido in West Yorkshire last July

There were two other heatwaves, from 28 to 30 June, and between 23 and 29 August.

No "excess deaths" were recorded - those above baseline mortality - in the first period, PHE said.


During the second heatwave, there were 572 deaths in the over-65s blamed on the scorching weather.

There were also 320 deaths during the rise in temperatures at the end of August - taking the total to 892.

And there were some excess deaths in those under 65, but the number was not considered to be statistically significant.

Areas experiencing the highest numbers of deaths were the North East and East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, the East of England, plus London and the South East.

The 2019 total was the highest since 2016, when there were 908 excess fatalities.