Boris Johnson has arrived early at the Covid Inquiry for the second day in succession as he prepares to give further evidence on his handling of the pandemic.

The former prime minister walked into Dorland House just after 7am on Thursday, three hours before he will return to the witness stand following a day of questioning on Wednesday.

Protesters holding up placards appeared to arrive earlier on Thursday following Mr Johnson’s surprise early appearance on Wednesday before families had gathered outside the building.

On Wednesday, Mr Johnson fought back tears as he spoke of the “tragic, tragic” events of 2020 and told bereaved families he was “deeply sorry” for the loss of life, the pain and the suffering that the pandemic caused.

He told the Inquiry the first national lockdown was built on an “uncertain foundation”, called for for extensive research on the long-term impact of lockdowns and was confronted over expletive-ridden WhatsApp messages sent between ministers, officials and advisers at the heart of government.

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