The BBC has reported that hundreds of people have fled severe flooding in Cockermouth, Cumbria.

RAF helicopters, mountain rescue teams and fire crews were called to evacuate more than 200 people from Cockermouth. Nine people were reported stranded in properties in Cockermouth and Keswick, where shelters are being opened for those at risk.

Trees were floating down the main shopping street in Cockermouth. More than 1,000 homes were without electricity. John Carlin from Cockermouth said, “It is desperate. The town centers is completely flooded. The only people out there at the moment are the emergency services. “I have lived here for 15 years and have never seen anything like it.”

Flood pictures by: John Simmons