Five of those who have died at Castletroy Residential Home in Luton have been confirmed as having Covid-19.

The home has 69 beds for elderly people with nursing or personal care needs.

Dr Sultan Salimee, from Public Health England (PHE) East, said it was "continuing to work closely with the care home, providing public health advice to stop the virus spreading".

The other 10 residents who died were not tested for coronavirus, a PHE spokeswoman said.

A statement from the care home said Castletroy staff "worked very hard to shield our residents, themselves and their families whilst continuing to provide care and support."

It added: "We send our condolences to the families and friends at this sad time.

"It's very sad, they are our family too."

A PHE statement said: "In occasions where some cases have already been tested positive in a care home, we do not advise testing of new cases as it will not change the public health management."

Hazel Simmons, leader of Luton Council, said she was "desperately sad to hear about the tragic situation".

She said: "To lose so many residents in one care home is heartbreaking, and our love, thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of those who have died, as well as the staff at the home."

Sarah Owen, Labour MP for Luton North, said in a statement that the "devastating" news showed that "workers in care homes are at the sharp end of this crisis."

She said: "They [care workers] must be given the right protective equipment, testing and guidance to ensure they can carry out their jobs as safely as possible."

The news comes as it was confirmed that seven residents have died at a care home in east London; eight at one in Dumbarton; and 12 at another in Cranhill, Glasgow.