Motorists have been warned to take care on journeys as sleet and snow are forecast for parts of the country.

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for most of Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of Northern England.

They warn of sleet and snow showers and ice on untreated surfaces.

On Sunday Tayside Police dealt with several accidents in the Perth and Kinross area where cars left the road due to icy conditions while a number of roads in northern Scotland were affected by snow and ice.

Northern Constabulary reported a loss of 999 call service in the Rosehall area of Lairg in Sutherland, affecting 176 telephone lines. It was thought to be due to the weather conditions.

Police advised drivers to listen to their local weather forecast before setting out on their journey.

Assistant Chief Constable Allan Moffat said: "I would ask people to remember that both damp and snow affected roads can hide the hidden danger of black ice, particularly in shaded areas. Our message is very much aimed at asking motorists to be aware of the dangers and travel with extra caution."

Forecasters said that Scotland is likely to bear the brunt of the bad weather on Monday.

"We will see more wintry showers with more snow over high ground in western areas," said Andy Ratcliffe, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather forecasting arm of the Press Association.

"Northern England will see wintry showers but it will not be as badly affected as Scotland."