Kent's ambulance service has moved to the highest alert level amid 'extreme pressure'.

South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) says that 'seriously ill' patients will now be prioritised amid increased demand.

The service – which covers Kent, Sussex and Surrey – confirmed earlier today that it has moved to level four of their Resource Escalatory Action Plan (REAP).

The trust had only moved back to level three – 'severe pressure' – at the end of January following a continuous period at the highest level that lasted from the Summer through to the beginning of this year.

A spokesman urged residents to only call 999 if they are facing a "serious emergency".

"We continue to experience periods where we are particularly busy and some patients are waiting longer while we prioritise our response to our most seriously ill and injured patients," he said.

"We urge people to only call 999 if they are facing a serious emergency, and not to call us back unless a patient’s condition worsens or they no longer need our assistance – duplicate calls tie up our lines," he said.

"The public can help by making use of alternatives to 999 if they are not facing a serious emergency, by calling 111 or visiting NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk.

"We have a variety of clinicians working across our 999 and 111 services to ensure patients are given expert help and can be directed to the most appropriate care if an ambulance response is not required."