Leicester Hospitals have declared a critical incident as "hundreds of people" have been left waiting for "hours" to be seen.

The University of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) is asking people to call 111 before taking themselves to the A&E department at Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI).

The trust posted on social media that it was currently experiencing a very high demand for services across its hospitals.

By calling 111, people will be "directed more quickly and easily" to a "better place" for their needs, the trust said.

One local resident claimed a nurse working at the LRI had informed them there were 400 people waiting in A&E at 10:30am this morning and a further 50 people waiting in the backs of ambulances.

Another person said on social media that "seriously ill people were waiting for nine hours in the back of ambulances". The claims have not been verified by the trust.

The Trust has been approached for more information on the situation and we will update this article as we get it.

A spokesman for UHL confirmed the critical incident has been declared.