Asthma sufferers hit by pollen bomb and scorching sun

Britain's hot spell may be welcome news for sun worshippers and staycationers but the rising temperatures have triggered a dangerous side effect – a so-called "pollen bomb".

The Met Office has forecast that the "very high" pollen count will continue through next week. Warnings of particularly high levels have been issued for the West Midlands, southern England and Wales.

A record temperature for the year so far is expected to be set on Saturday, with central England likely to reach 31C. The forecast has prompted the UK Health Security Agency to issue a heat health alert, warning people to check on friends and relatives who may be vulnerable.

The heat health alerts have so far been extended until 9am on Tuesday. Five regions of