Health chiefs tonight urged people to only visit Watford General Hospital’s “very busy” A&E in an emergency.

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said ths hospital's accident and emergency unit was “very busy today” and pleaded for residents to use St Albans City Hospital’s Minor Injuries Unit if their condition is not serious.

The trust tweeted: “Our A&E at Watford Hospital is very busy today. Please remember A&E is for serious injuries and illnesses only.

“People with less serious injuries and illnesses should visit our Urgent Care Centre at Hemel Hempstead Hospital, open 24/7.

“Alternatively, people can visit our Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at St Albans Hospital, open 9am - 8pm or call NHS111.”