Flooding in Devon and Cornwall

Severe flooding has hit Devon and Cornwall as heavy rainfall sweeps across the area.

The worst affected areas were Newlyn, Penzance, Mevagissy ,St Ives, and Plymstock with the fire service taking 50 calls between 18:00 and 21:00 GMT.

Eight properties were known to have flooded during heavy rainfall and two drivers were rescued from flood water.

The Environment Agency has issued three flood warnings and Cornwall Council has opened its control centre .

Landslip

Council spokesman Dave Owens said: "The main problem still appears to be surface water flooding which is continuing to affect a number of areas across Cornwall.

"There are reports of around eight properties flooded so far, although there are concerns at the rising water levels in Newlyn where the water is edging towards some commercial properties."

Flood warnings are in place for the River Tresillian at Ladock, Bolingey Stream from Bolingey to Perranporth and the River Cober at Helston.

In Plymstock, firefighters rescued one person from their car on Vinery Lane at 19:24.

Crews rescued another driver at about 21:15 after their car got stuck in floodwater on Wembury Road.

Elsewhere in Devon, a landslip has closed a long stretch of the A379 road in Shaldon, from Ringmore Road to Deane Lane in Maidencombe.

The landslip close to what is known locally as the Labrador Bend is reported to be at least 15ft across and 3ft deep.

Sgt Dave Opara, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "There has been a considerable amount of rainfall across the force area.

"There will be more to come throughout the night, so the situation is not going to get much better too soon."

Cornwall was hit by severe flooding in November and December last year, with homes flooded and the main rail line closed.