The ambulance service covering Dorset had its busiest week on record last week - as it warns the public to only call 999 if someone is seriously injured or ill and their life may be at risk.

South Western Ambulance Service has experienced a significant increase in demand following the easing of lockdown restrictions - last week it responded to a total of 22,041 incidents during the seven days up until Sunday, its busiest week on record.

The service has dealt with more than 20,000 incidents per week since the start of May, compared to around 18,500 incidents per week in early April.

A South Western Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Our service is currently experiencing very high demand, which means we must prioritise critically ill patients.

“We are asking the public only to call 999 in a genuine medical emergency when somebody is seriously injured or ill and their life is at risk, and for other medical concerns we encourage patients to contact NHS 111 for advice and support.

“Please do not call us back to ask for an estimated arrival time, and only call back if the patient’s condition worsens or you no longer need our help.”