Environment Agency warns of further flooding for Yorkshire

Flood defences across the region are being checked by Environment Agency staff

Further heavy rainfall could lead to more flooding in parts of Yorkshire, the Environment Agency (EA) has warned.

The agency said the ground was still saturated from the rain the region has already experienced, increasing the risk of fresh flooding.

The new warning comes only a fortnight after more than 500 homes and businesses were hit by severe flooding in the Calder Valley in West Yorkshire.

A Met Office warning of heavy rain is in place for Yorkshire until 7 July.

David Dangerfield, regional director for the Yorkshire and North East region of the EA, said: "The region has experienced some severe weather in recent weeks, and with further rain forecast for the next few days, we would urge the public to remain vigilant.

"Our thoughts are with those people whose homes and businesses have already been affected by flooding. Our staff have been out working hard to provide communities with as much assistance and information as possible."

Mr Dangerfield said agency teams are currently out on the ground monitoring river levels and clearing blockages to prevent flooding around culverts and bridges.

The agency said it was also checking all the flood defences across the region to make sure they were functioning.