People in Suffolk are being warned to take care in the freezing temperatures after a serious amber cold weather alert has been issued for the county. 

Earlier this week the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office issued a yellow cold weather alert. 

However, this has since been upgraded to a more serious amber alert and will be in place until Friday, January 19. 

A spokesman for the UKHSA said: "Severe impacts are possible across the health and social care sector due to the forecast weather conditions, including increased risk of mortality."

They added: "Significant impacts are probable across the health sector including an increase in mortality in the 65-plus age group but impacts may also be seen in younger age groups.

"Maintaining indoor temperatures at 18C may become challenging for some, leading to an increased risk for vulnerable people."

It comes after a yellow weather warning for snow and ice was issued for parts of Suffolk on Monday.