A new variant of the Covid virus has been found in France with several cases reported in Marseilles.
Experts have designated the variant B.1.640.2 and will now work to see whether it warrants investigation or concern.
The virus is constantly mutating and only the most serious are given high-level designations - such as Delta and Omicron.
The discovery has been raised by scientists at IHU Mediterranee Infection in France, reports Le Figaro.
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 haveing first been found in South Africa.
