Several cases of a new variant of coronavirus have been reported in France.
The discovery of the new B.1.640.2 variant was raised by scientists at IHU Mediterranee Infection in France, reports Le Figaro.
Experts will now work to see whether it warrants investigation or concern after several cases were reported in Marseilles, Wales Online reports.
Go here for the latest coronavirus updates and breaking Covid-19 news
The virus is constantly mutating and only the most serious are given high-level designations - such as Delta and Omicron.
Writing online, Professor Philippe Colson of the unit said: "We indeed have several cases of this new variant in the Marseille geographical area.
"We named it 'Variant IHU'. Two new genomes have just been submitted."
Scientists will now determine what the mutations could mean for the variant - whether it will spread more quickly, make people more seriously ill or evade vaccines.
The Alpha variant was first detected in Kent and quickly became overtaken by Delta.
Omicron is now set to become dominant in the U in weeks having first been found in South Africa.
