Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust is on black alert after seeing unprecedented numbers of very sick patients arriving in A&E.

This is due in part to an increase in demand right across the county, according to a hospital spokesperson. 

She added: "People need to consider other options before arriving at A&E today and over the weekend as there will be long waits."

"I can confirm that the Trust is on Black Alert.

"There are no anomalies that have caused the unprecedented numbers of very sick patients coming into A&E."