Floods spark large volume of calls to fire service

Hail, lightning and thunder was reported across Gloucestershire on Friday afternoon

A fire service has said it has received "a large volume of calls" relating to flash flooding following heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Gloucestershire was hit by the storms on Friday afternoon, bringing frequent lightning and heavy rain from the Cotswolds to the Forest of Dean.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service urged residents to only get in touch if there is an emergency.

Those with a general inquiry have been asked to email, rather than call, the fire service.

Heavy rain hit many areas of the county on Friday

Photos taken in the Leckhampton area of Cheltenham showed flooded roads due to the rain.

Flooding has also been reported in other areas of the county on social media, with reports of lightning causing a fire in Quedgeley.

Difficult driving conditions due to localised flooding were also reported on roads between Gloucester and Cirencester, such as Crickley Hill and Nettleton Bottom.

People without an emergency have been asked to e-mail [e-mail]

Cars were also seen in difficult conditions in Painswick Road, Gloucester where water covered the road