Paramedics have pleaded for patience as the number of emergency calls increases sharply during the “challenging weather”.

The East of England Ambulance Service is facing “significant pressures” following a rise in demand since snow fell yesterday (Saturday).

Patients have been asked not to call for an ambulance again while waiting for assistance unless their condition changes.

Hayden Newton, chief executive of the ambulance trust, said: “We are getting to patients as quickly as we possibly can. Help is on its way to patients so please do not phone us back unless there is a change in your condition as your call will take up vital extra resources.”