Hundreds of homes flooded across the South West

Thousands of businesses and residents across the South West are on red alert as river levels continue to rise across the region.

Days of torrential rain have seen key rivers across the region including the Severn, Avon and Wye rise to dangerous levels.

Hundreds of people have people have been evacuated and a number of towns have been warned of imminent flooding.

According to Environment Agency more than 1,000 properties in England have been flooded.

Around 50 properties on Alney Island in Gloucester had been evacuated and residents sent to a nearby leisure centre.

There was also flooding in Tewkesbury and in several towns in the Forest of Dean and nearby Monmouth.

As of Friday morning, there were more than 300 flood warnings in place across England.

A number of flood alerts have been issued for stretches of the River Avon and the River Severn and the River Wye.

Gloucestershire County Council told residents to ring 999 and ask for the fire service if they need to be evacuated.

And Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service warned drivers against ignoring closures as flood-water made many roads impassable.

Great Western Railway, which runs services between London and the South West said several routes had been closed, and is urging customers not to travel.

In Gloucestershire, between the towns of Gloucester and Lydney, flooding is blocking all services – affecting CrossCountry and Transport for Wales services.

Flooding has also blocked all lines between Liskeard and Looe in Cornwall.