Stay In the house! Police Advice as Snow Falls

Police have urged people in some parts of freezing Britain to stay indoors amid cautions of heavy snow and plunging temperatures.
The Met Office has delivered severe weather warnings for Scotland, Northern Ireland, the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, the East Midlands and the South West, with London and the South East also under threat. And professionals say the worst-hit area is Northumberland where blizzards have dumped up to 35cm of snow. It has led Northumbria Police to urge cyclist to stay off the roads and only venture out if absolutely necessary.

"Anyone going outside should consider whether their journey is dangerous and if they must venture out should dress properly," a spokesman said.

Across the UK there have been general reports of cars sliding off roads because of treacherous, icy conditions. Two people were injured in a multiple cars pile-up on the M1 near Sheffield shortly before 8am.

All three lanes of the southbound carriageway amongst junctions 34 and 33 were closed while emergency services rescued the injured. The East of England Ambulance Service has recorded a spate of traffic accidents, with cars skidding into ditches, lampposts, fences and fields.

Spokesman Gary Sanderson said: "We are all very aware that the freezing conditions have caused problems for motorists.

"Remember your safety is paramount, drive carefully and please take care over the weekend."