Broomfield, Basildon and Southend hospital issued the warning with urgency as there is a high number of patients requiring care.

The warning issued today asked patients to carefully consider if they need emergency care.

A spokesperson for Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust said:” We are again experiencing a very high demand for our services at our A&E Department today.

“We urge the public to think very carefully before attending our emergency department.”

The same warning was issued on Wednesday.

The trust has advised anyone considering a trip to A&E should only call 999 for life-threatening emergencies, such as, loss of consciousness, acute confused state and fits that are not stopping, persistent or severe chest pain, breathing difficulties and severe bleeding that cannot be stopped.