Major incident as 17 people rescued from floods

A major incident has been declared due to widespread flooding across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it had received more than 200 calls on Monday morning.

Crews have attended incidents involving cars stuck in flooding, evacuating residents from homes and rising water levels.

At 11:48 GMT, the fire service said 17 members of the public had been rescued so far.

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 warning 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 flood water."