The Who have postponed their UK tour because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The band were due to kick off the tour at Manchester Arena on Monday March 16.

But they have suspended all dates for now 'with much regret', vowing to reschedule for later in the year.

The band said their fans' safety was paramount and they felt they had no option but to postpone as a precaution.

Singer Roger Daltrey assured fans that the shows will 'definitely happen'.

"It may be the last time we do a tour of this type, so keep those tickets, as the shows will be fantastic," he said.

Bandmate Pete Townshend said they hadn't reached the decision easily but added: "Given the concerns about public gatherings, we couldn’t go ahead."

The tour, which also included dates in Dublin, Newcastle, Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff, Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool and London, was to promote their new album WHO - their first in 13 years.

The band have also pulled out of their scheduled performance at the Teenage Cancer Trust show at the Royal Albert Hall on March 28.

All tickets will be honoured for the new dates when they are announced.

Ticketmaster's terms and conditions say refunds will be issued to fans who cannot make the new dates.