Kent's ambulance service has today issued a warning urging people to "considering all alternatives to dialing 999."

South East Coast Ambulance said in a tweet it is experiencing very high levels of demand and can only attend the most seriously ill.

The tweet says: "We are experiencing very high levels of demand again today and we are currently only able to send a response to the most seriously-ill or life-threatened patients.

"Please help us help those who need us most by considering all alternatives to dialing 999."

Those seeking medical help for non life-threatening illnesses, even when the service isn't under high levels of pressure, should consider alternatives a spokesman said a second tweet.

"Please remember - always, but especially while we're facing this increase in demand, the alternatives to 999 when it's not life-threatening or serious, include calling 111 or speaking to a pharmacist," it says.