A warning has gone out to motorists across Cornwall following 30 traffic collisions over just three hours this morning.

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust has asked everyone travelling on the region’s roads to take extra care and attention following the collisions across Devon and Cornwall.

Many of the collisions saw people trapped and in some cases seriously injured.

The 30 collisions were reported between 6am and 9am today, including in Redruth and Bodmin.

The majority of incidents were vehicles overturning, although many more involved multiple vehicles.

The icy conditions are thought to be responsible in most cases.

The Trust’s chief executive Ken Wenman has motorists to be “extremely vigilant,” saying: “I would urge people to wait until later in the day before travelling if at all possible to give the ice on the road a chance to thaw.

“It is very important to allow extra time for all journeys to ensure that all vehicles are properly cleared of ice and perhaps most importantly slow down and keep your distance from the vehicle in front.

“Many collisions could be prevented if people took these simple steps to protect themselves and other road users. With all the salt on the roads, making sure that windscreens remain clear is also vital to make sure that vision is not obstructed.

“I sincerely hope that anyone hurt as a result of these collisions makes a full and rapid recovery and would like to thank our crews for the great job they continue to do at what is a very busy time for the service.”