WEATHER experts predicted last night that temperatures would drop to -5C in Merseyside.

The cold snap will continue over the next few days, but the region should warm up towards the end of the week to around 7C.

This afternoon will be bright but snow could fall this evening, and tomorrow morning is likely to bring sleet showers with it.

Fog is also predicted for Thursday and Friday.

North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) is calling on all drivers and pedestrians to take extra care.

Current icy conditions mean the service has been dealing with a number of road traffic accidents and an increase in slips, trips and falls by pedestrians.

Gary Ashby, community responder manager for NWAS, said: “We are urging members of the public to take extra caution this winter when walking on the pavements or when driving and faced with hazardous weather conditions, particularly in rural areas where there are less frequently used and winding, rural lanes or shaded areas not exposed to sunlight and therefore likely to remain frosted or iced over.”

Yesterday, police were called to an incident on Booker Avenue, in Allerton, where an elderly woman had fallen over.

She suffered minor injuries but police say it caused panic as passers by thought it was a more serious incident.

FOR NWAS advice, log on to www.nwas.nhs.uk

FOR information on the best medical treatment for minor injuries, cuts and sprains, call NHS Direct on 08451120999.