A coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University can prevent 70.4 per cent of people from getting Covid-19, data shows.

This has been hailed by the prime minister, Boris Johnson, as "incredibly exciting news".

Oxford University said that analysis from its phase three vaccine trial shows that the 70 per cent effectiveness comes from combining two doses.

One was 90 per cent effective, the other 62 per cent.

This comes after recent announcements that vaccines by produced by Pfizer and Moderna showed 95 per cent protection.

However, this announcement from Oxford University has still been welcomed by many.

Professor Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group and chief investigator of the Oxford Vaccine Trial, said: "These findings show that we have an effective vaccine that will save many lives.

"Excitingly, we’ve found that one of our dosing regimens may be around 90 per cent effective and if this dosing regime is used, more people could be vaccinated with planned vaccine supply.

"Today’s announcement is only possible thanks to the many volunteers in our trial, and the hard working and talented team of researchers based around the world."

Health secretary, Matt Hancock, has also welcomed this announcement as "really encouraging news".

He told Sky News: "This is really encouraging news on the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, that obviously we’ve been backing since the start.

"And I’m really very pleased, really welcome these figures, this data, that show that the vaccine in the right dosage can be up to 90 per cent effective.

"Of course, it’s vital that the independent regulator, the MHRA, will need to look at the data, will need to check to make sure that it’s effective and safe of course.

"But we’ve got 100 million doses on order and should all that go well, the bulk of the rollout will be in the new year."

He added: “And of course this vaccine, this homegrown vaccine, is easier to administer as well than the Pfizer vaccine, because it doesn’t need to be stored at minus 70.

“So having two vaccines that appear to have effectiveness, done right, in the 90 per cent range is really, really good news."

Boris Johnson also Tweeted this morning, saying: "Incredibly exciting news the Oxford vaccine has proved so effective in trials.

"There are still further safety checks ahead, but these are fantastic results. Well done to our brilliant scientists at @UniofOxford & @AstraZeneca, and all who volunteered in the trials."