Hundreds of 999 calls due to icy conditions

Roads and pavements were left in a treacherous condition following freezing temperatures overnight.

And Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust said it was inundated with calls .

Dr Alison Walker, executive medical director at the trust, urged people not to call 999 unless it was obvious that injuries were life-threatening.

She said: “The service has received hundreds of 999 calls for weather-related incidents and we are treating a lot of patients involved in road traffic collisions and injured in slips, trips and falls.

“These calls are in addition to other medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes. Whilst many people have taken heed of our earlier plea, we would ask that the public to continue to only call 999 when it is obvious that someone has a life-threatening illness or injury.

“We would like to thank members of the public for their support during this challenging period and recognise the efforts of our staff who are working extremely hard to provide services for our patients.

“We ask that for advice and treatment for non-emergencies, people consider options such as a visit to a local pharmacist or NHS Direct or visit a walk-in centre.”