Thousands of lives have been saved since the coronavirus outbreak started, claim scientists, saying lockdowns have dramatically improved air quality.

Across the globe countries are implemented measures to restrict public interactions including closing pubs, cancelling events and encouraging home working.

Satellite images from the European Space Agency and NASA show a dramatic reduction in the amount of harmful greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.

Researchers from Stanford University say in places like China the reduction in air pollution has led to fewer premature deaths from breathing toxic air.