Floods and rail disruption in Kent after downpours

The River Medway has burst its banks at Teston

Residents in Kent have been warned their homes could be flooded as rivers across the county burst their banks in the aftermath of torrential rain.

The Environment Agency has issued two warnings for expected flooding in Kent with many more alerts for possible flooding.

Meanwhile, commuters were experiencing disruption with rail services due to the flooding.

Four people had to be rescued from a car which had became stuck in flood water in Paddock Wood, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said.

Two fire crews were sent to Darman land in Paddock Wood at about 15:20 GMT on Friday.

A fire service spokesperson said: "Motorists are advised to avoid the area while it remains flooded, which is likely to be overnight, and to check for traffic updates before travelling.

"People are also reminded not to drive or walk through floodwater, as it can often be a lot deeper than it looks."

Southeastern said a landslip at Maidstone East has forced the closure of the railway line to Ashford.

Rail services on the Hastings to Charing Cross line have also been cancelled, which also includes stops at Tunbridge Wells, Wadhurst and Battle.

The Environment Agency said water levels in the River Ouse were high and rising, affecting the Anchor Inn in Barcombe Mills.

It said properties could be flooded from 12:00 on Friday, with "extensive" flooding in fields, roads and gardens in the area.

The agency said river levels should begin to fall by 16:00 on Friday but would not reach normal levels until Saturday afternoon.

Some roads are likely to be impassable in the area.

A flood warning remains in place on the River Ouse between Freshfield Bridge and Sharpsbridge, although levels are starting to fall.

"Flood water will continue to affect properties of Freshfield Mill Farm, Freshmill and Millers Cottages on Sloop Lane and Bridge Cottage, Sheffield Park. Roads at Fletching Mill Bridge and Sharpsbridge will also be affected," the Environment Agency said.

Flood alerts are in place along the River Medway

There is also a flood alert for ground water in East Kent.

"Localised flooding may affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure in and around the Elham Valley, Alkham, and Petham," the Environment Agency said.

Levels on the River Medway remain high, affecting low lying land between Teston and Allington Lock, and Tonbridge through to Tudeley, East Peckham and Yalding.

Underpasses in Maidstone town centre are also being affected by high river levels.

On the River Stour between Wye and Canterbury water levels are expected to peak in the early hours of Saturday.

A flood alert on the River Teise between Lamberhurst and Goudhurst has been removed.

Train operator Southeastern said disruption was expected on the Maidstone East to Ashford line until the end of the day on Friday.

The landslip at Robertsbridge is expected to affect services until at least 21:00 with no services between Battle and Tunbridge Wells.

A replacement bus service is in operation, the train operator said.

There is a limited train service between Hastings and Battle, and a shuttle service will run between Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.