Summary

  • All the latest from Beds, Bucks, Cambs, Essex, Herts, Norfolk, Northants and Suffolk

  • The number of Covid-19 deaths in the region's hospitals reaches 3,999

  • Borough mayor responds to fears of new 'local lockdown'

  • Wycombe prepare for play-off semis - their first game since March

Live Reporting

  1. Wanderers' semi-final match like 'Christmas Day'

    Wycombe WanderersWycombe Wanderers

    This evening Wycombe Wanderers take on Fleetwood Town in the first leg of the League One play-off semi finals at 19:30.

    The Chairboys are just three games away from reaching the Championship for the first time in their history.

    Phil Catchpole will be heading to Lancashire to cover the game for BBC Three Counties Radio.

    "This is huge, what a game to come back to," he said.

    "I remember in the 80s watching Wycombe being beaten by the Met Police.

    "For the fans this is like Christmas Day."

    The game is preceded by Portsmouth v Oxford in the other semi at 17:30.

    Theses are the first matches in League One since 10 March and the BBC will have live text coverage here.

  2. Murder arrest over care home death

    Officers were called to reports that a man had been assaulted at a care home in Essex, police say.

    Read More

  3. 'Play your part in stamping out the virus'

    Ahead of the easing of lockdown restrictions this weekend, a director of public health said everyone still needs to "play their part in stamping out the virus".

    Jim McManus, who works for Hertfordshire County Council, said of the new "one metre plus" that "we must all maintain social distancing, wash our hands regularly and thoroughly and follow the rules and guidance on face coverings".

    "If you have any symptoms that could indicate you have coronavirus, it’s vitally important that you get a test," he said.

    “Remember too that if you’re contacted by the national NHS Test and Trace team, you must follow their advice and self-isolate, to prevent the virus from taking hold in Hertfordshire again and threatening more lives.”

    Coronavirus testing stationNHS

    Tests can be booked online and drive-through testing sites are now open to everyone living or working in the county and for those that do not have access to a car or are too ill to drive, a test kit can be posted to them.

  4. Lawro's predictions v Biffy Clyro frontman Simon Neil

    Biffy Clyro frontman Simon NeilGetty Images

    Niether Mark Lawrenson nor Biffy Clyro frontman Simon Neil see much hope for Watford or Norwich as they make predictions for this weekend's Premier League games.

    Lawro's predictions v Biffy Clyro frontman Simon Neil

    Mark Lawrenson takes on Biffy Clyro frontman Simon Neil to make predictions for this weekend's Premier League games.

    Read More

  5. Five Covid-19 deaths reported in East of England

    Matt Precey
    BBC Look East

    The number of people who have been reported to have died in hospital from coronavirus in the East of England has risen by five, according to the latest daily government figures issued on Thursday.

    The deaths were at the following NHS trusts:

    • East Suffolk and North Essex (Ipswich and Colchester hospitals): 1
    • James Pagen Hospital (Gorleston): 1
    • Luton and Dunstable Hospital: 2
    • Northampton General Hospital: 1

    The total number of deaths for the eastern region so far is 3,999.

    Across the UK the number of deaths increased by 89 and stands at 43,995.

  6. Welcome to Friday's live updates

    Alex Pope
    BBC News Online

    We will be bringing you all the latest news from across the East of England - including the ongoing coronavirus pandemic lockdown and other stories.

    We'll have build up to Wycombe Wanderers play-off semi-final, as they bid to emulate Northampton Town and gain promotion via Wembley.

    If you have a story you wish to share - good or bad - please contact BBC News Online (East).

    Reach us via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or email us.

    You can read Thursday's live page here.