Leicestershire Fire and Rescue urge drivers not to travel unless essential as major incident declared in response to flooding

A major incident has been declared across Leicestershire and Rutland this morning.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue is being called out to “multiple incidents” across the two counties.

“With the continuation of cold wet weather causing hazardous conditions across the county, we ask people to avoid non-essential travel, and to not attempt to drive through flood water.”

Since the major incident was declared at 7.45am, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue has received over 200 calls, with crews attending incidents involving cars stuck in flood water, evacuating residents from flooded homes, and rising water. As of midday, 17 members of the public have been rescued by fire crews. Appliances from all stations across the service are actively responding to calls.

Judi Beresford, assistant chief fire and rescue officer said: "Flooding poses a serious risk to lives and property, and we urge everyone to take these warnings seriously. Our Control room and crews are working tirelessly to assist those in need and to keep people safe.

"We are working with our partners to reduce the impact of this major incident and ask the public to avoid flooded routes when travelling and never to enter floodwater."