Latest NHS England figures show:

• More than 5,000 people in hospital with flu at the end of last week
• More than 98,000 ambulance handovers to hospitals last week

Adam Brimelow, director, NHS Providers, said:

"These figures show services coming under relentless pressure and it looks like things will get worse before they get better. This week’s cold snap is likely to add to already huge demand for NHS services.

"It feels like the worst Christmas and New Year the NHS has seen for many years, according to some trust leaders.

"The winter flu blitz came early with A&Es and wards exceptionally busy and in many places ambulances having to queue outside hospitals, waiting to bring in patients. The total number of people in hospital with flu and other viruses is much higher than this time last year.

"In the face of persistent demand and pressure NHS staff and trust leaders continue to roll up their sleeves and see patients as quickly as possible."