ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

The number of deaths has jumped by more than 2,500 in the bitterly cold weather this month compared with past years, figures reveal today.

They show hundreds more people dying in England as millions of pensioners and families struggle to heat their homes. In the week ending March 15, 11,180 deaths were registered — 1,300 more than the average for the past five years — and including 9,500 pensioners. There were 11,245 deaths registered in the previous week, 1,265 more than usual.

In the eight week period since mid-January there have been 6,500 more deaths than the average for the last five years. The rising toll is set to spark fresh anger over soaring gas bills as energy companies make bumper profits.

The figures also sparked calls for people to check on their elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Former health secretary Stephen Dorrell said: “It’s a time when all of us should have heightened awareness about our neighbours’ health and well-being.”

Michelle Mitchell, charity director general at Age UK, said: “This prolonged cold snap will be taking its toll on many older people, both physically and mentally. It’s crucial that people keep in touch with their older neighbours and relatives to make sure that they are keeping warm and healthy.”

The number of deaths registered in London has risen slightly in the two weeks ending March 15, compared with last year, but is down over the eight-week period. An RAF Chinook helicopter was today called to help as part of an emergency operation to reach farms and families cut off by snow drifts in Northern Ireland.

It was taking fodder and provisions to the Glens of Antrim where thousands of livestock are feared to have died.

Economists have warned that the enduring cold snap could push Britain into a triple dip recession.

The economy contracted in the final quarter of last year but had been predicted by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility to narrowly avoid another fall in the first three months of this. But the weather is keeping shoppers from the high street and causing distributions problems which could nudge the economy into another small decline.