EMERGENCY services have described the situation in Worcestershire and Herefordshire - caused by the fuel blockade - as "acute".

They met with local authorities and health chiefs in an emergency summit yesterday to draw up contingency plans to cope with the situation.

"The situation is extremely serious and we are, with other emergency services and agencies, taking control of the situation," said West Mercia Deputy Chief Constable Peter Neyroud.

"People should listen to their local radio station for more information about the current situation.

"An information page in the West Mercia website has also been set up where up to date details will be available. Other agencies will also be providing information on their websites."

He said the 999 system should only be used to contact fire, police or ambulance in critical or life-threatening situations.

To contact the police in a non-emergency people should call 08457 444888. Anyone wanting to know about availability of fuel should contact local garages.

Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade currently has fuel for two to three weeks and says it can maintain "frontline services".

"They have asked the public to carry and store petrol safely only in containers designed for that purpose. Petrol should not be stored indoors," said Mr Neyroud.

"Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service is facing severe disruption to its service due to the lack of fuel and managers are very concerned regarding the ongoing situation.

"Patient transport service has been suspended causing patients to miss essential treatments. The 999 service is also encountering difficulties accessing fuel across both counties.

"Health authorities in Herefordshire and Worcestershire have suspended routine visits and treatment requests and have prioritised all their other work to deal with urgent cases."

The police website can be found at www.westmercia.police.uk