'Wrap up warm' plea to revellers

People heading out at night should dress appropriately, police said

Police have urged people planning a night out in Suffolk over the weekend to take extra care as a severe weather warning was issued for the county.

Further snowfall and bitingly cold temperatures are expected overnight and on Saturday.

Officers said it was imperative to wrap up warm, not to "over do it", to stay with friends and to make plans to get home.

The Met Office forecast "significant" snowfall for Sunday and Monday.

Operation Stack remained in force at the Port of Felixstowe on Friday, with hundreds of lorries parked on the old A45 road.

Emergency snowline

Police said motorists should only travel if absolutely necessary and to be prepared for emergencies.

Suffolk County Council has extended its usual customer service helpline to operate over the weekend.

Gritters have treated priority routes but motorists are warned to take care

Members of the public will be able to call the emergency snowline on issues relating to the weather or if they are having difficulty accessing services such as social care on their usual numbers.

The number is 08456 037686 and will be available on Saturday and Sunday from 0900 GMT to 2000 GMT.

The East of England Ambulance Service has hired extra four-wheel drive vehicles to get to emergency callouts during the icy weather.

The service has seen a 20% increase in 999 calls since the snow began and has had to reduce its non-emergency patient transport to cope.

Suffolk Police said it was dealing with increased demand during the adverse weather conditions.

Police also thanked the owners of four wheel drive vehicles who had offered their assistance to the force.

Across the county, 254 schools were shut for a second day.

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