Paramedics will continue to struggle to respond to emergency calls in the capital this evening after ambulance staff walked out on strike, the London Ambulance Service (LAS) said.

Jason Killens, deputy director of operations at LAS, said its staff have been under “severe pressure” all day and appealed for people to only dial 999 if someone’s life is in danger.

He said: “We are still under severe pressure and expect this to increase over the next few hours as a result of today's industrial action.

"There are still a number of patients who are waiting for an ambulance response and it is more important than ever for Londoners to only dial 999 for an ambulance if somebody's life is in danger.

"We are sorry for any delays people are facing and patients who call with minor illnesses or injuries such as stomach upsets or cuts and bruises will not be sent an ambulance response.

"We have asked unions to encourage their members to return to work as normal or increase their emergency cover, as per the agreement with Unison and GMB."

Thousands of public sector workers across the country walked out on strike today in protest against Government proposals to reduce their pensions.