New cases of HIV among heterosexuals in Britain are now, for the first time, more than double the new cases among homosexuals.

Almost all the increase among heterosexuals is a result of immigration from Africa according to the Health Protection Agency.

The number of heterosexuals found to have the virus, which leads to Aids, has risen by almost 50 per cent over the past year.

The number of cases among homosexuals has risen by six per cent.