Flash Flooding Hits South West England

Severe flash flooding has hit parts of south west England - with the fire service having to rescue people from cars floating down streets.

The worst of the flooding was in Bournemouth, Dorset, which received a fortnight's worth of rain in just half an hour.

Problems were also reported in Hampshire's Basingstoke, Winchester, Southampton and New Forest

In Dorset's town centre, shops including Asda and House of Fraser were flooded with up to six inches of water.

There are also reports of a wall collapsing and a gas main rupturing, causing homes and businesses to be evacuated.

Patients had to be evacuated from Nuffield Hospital after a ceiling fell in.

"Surface water does remain in areas and motorists are advised to proceed with caution and avoid making journeys if at all possible," a Dorset Police spokesman said.

"A number of roads are closed and a good deal of vehicles have broken down."

Twitter users have posted photographs showing the town's Lower Gardens completely under water and of road surfaces breaking up.

There were also reports that over 20 fire engines were in the town after over 50mm of rain fell in some areas in six hours this morning.

For more information about the flooding:

:: Dorset Fire and Rescue

:: Dorset Police

:: Wave 105.2FM