Homes lose power as Storm Benjamin passes region

Flood alerts were in place around the Norfolk coast and people were advised to stay off promenades and beaches

Homes were left without power and rail services disrupted as Storm Benjamin hit the East of England.

The region experienced heavy rain and high winds between Wednesday night and Thursday lunchtime.

At its height, more than 2,000 homes were left without power in parts of Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, but UK Power Networks said as of about 16:30 BST there were "currently no widespread power incidents because of the weather" in the areas it covered.

The company said it had put extra staff on duty and anyone who spotted a damaged power line should get in touch and "stay well clear".

Rail services in the region also faced disruption.

Greater Anglia said a fallen tree blocked the railway between Brentwood in Essex and Gidea Park.

The line between Watford Junction and Euston was also blocked by a tree at Carpenders Park station, while services to Norfolk and Suffolk were affected after plastic sheeting blew on to overhead electrical wires in London.

A yellow weather warning from the Met Office was in place until Thursday afternoon

Flood alerts were issued for the Norfolk coast, with the government information service Floodline saying "higher than normal tides" over the next three days could lead to flooding.

People have been advised to "avoid beaches and coastal promenades".