'Huge' number of collisions on icy roads in Lancashire
Lancashire's road policing officers said via Twitter: "We have a huge amount of reports of collisions this morning caused by the icy conditions catching a lot of people out. It's just rained on frozen surfaces too. Please reduce your speed, increase your braking distances and most of all use a bit of common sense."
Temperatures fell to as low as -6c in parts of Britain overnight. Shoppers eager to avoid a last-minute rush next weekend are being warned to watch out for icy pavements - with a weather warning in place for much of Scotland and across the east and west of the UK until 11am.
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Hide AdBut those hoping for a white Christmas this year could find themselves disappointed, as milder weather looks set to return through next week.
Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: "We've had a bit of rain falling on frozen ground in some places, which can lead to ice forming first thing this morning.
"For those out Christmas shopping, it could be a bit of a tricky start.
"There's another cold night to come, and Sunday into Monday - perhaps even Monday into Tuesday too - but eventually we will see some milder conditions with temperatures reaching double figures."