Locals have been urged to only attend Warwick Hospital's emergency department in an emergency.

The local A&E is currently "experiencing high pressure", South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust has warned.

"If your condition is not life-threatening, please consider other services such as Pharmacy First (many Warwickshire and Coventry pharmacies can assess and treat common conditions such as sore throats, ear infections, skin inflections and UTI's), NHS 111 (online or phone), GP or GP online services and the Rugby Urgent Treatment Centre, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week," a statement said.

"If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please use NHS 111.

"By using the right service for your healthcare needs you are helping our emergency department care for the people that really need us."

Earlier this year the trust was forced to announce a "critical incident" at the hospital due to the huge number of people attending A&E.