NHS England (NHSE) has issued a cold weather warning for this week.

NHSE said there is a 70% probability of “severe cold weather” and icy conditions from Monday evening to Sunday morning.

Areas in the north of the country are more likely to experience freezing conditions than areas south of North West England and Yorkshire and the Humber.

Vulnerable patients could see their health risks increase with the delivery of services affected also.

The Met Office has issued a level two alert and said: “This is an important stage for social and healthcare services who will work to ensure readiness and swift action to reduce harm from a potential period of cold weather.”