Residents evacuated and homes submerged in water after river bursts its banks

Residents in East Yorkshire have been forced to evacuate their homes after the River Aire burst its banks.

Firefighters were seen leading people in Snaith, East Riding to safety after heavy flooding over the past three weeks led to water sweeping through the town.

Selby Road and Carlton Bridge had to be closed due to the level of the flooding, which claimed cars and garden sheds from a nearby business.

Nearby farms and fields were also submerged by the rising water levels, which were first reported at around 2pm.

Locals have admitted they were shocked at the speed by which parts of the town were flooded, with water reportedly rising in just an hour.

Humberside Police has urged drivers to avoid the area, as vehicles were seen parked on the side of the road with helpless drivers waiting for news.

A force spokeswoman said: ‘Homes are now being evacuated, those affected can attend the Priory Church for shelter and refreshments.

‘Please continue to avoid the area, the A1041 north of Snaith is closed in both directions.’

It comes as parts of the River Severn are nearing their highest peak on record, with many living Shrewsbury and Ironbridge left counting the cost of flood devastation.

More than 1,000 homes and hundreds of businesses in Wales have been flooded, as experts predict snowfall in London and southern England on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Met Office announced a yellow weather warning for snow and ice last night covering Northern Ireland and Wales, as well as much of western Scotland and north-western England.

A second yellow warning for ice this morning includes south-west England, as well as parts of the south-east including London, with wintry showers tipped for higher ground.

More flooding is also said to be possible on the rivers Wye, Ouse and Trent, with other areas at risk as heavy rainfall is expected on Friday.