The North West Ambulance Service was forced to declare a major incident after it received 2,200 calls, a 36 per cent increase on a usual Monday, in eight hours.
The major incident has now been stood now but at its height, the service put out the message that If your call is not life-threatening, you may be asked to seek an alternative source of care or make your way to hospital.
They added:
We are exceptionally busy this evening. Unfortunately there will be delays and we urge you not to call back to ask how long we will be.
Please only ring 999 for life threatening emergencies.
For more assistance please use 111 online at 111.nhs.uk
