South Devon coastal areas flood alert

Jay Patel said the water came down into the shop like "heavy rain"

A flood alert has been issued for a number of east-facing coastal areas in south Devon.

The warning, issued by the Environment Agency, covers Beesands, Torcross, Slapton, Torbay and Dawlish.

The agency said strong force five winds would combine with the high tide at 2300 GMT.

It warned people to be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads.

Milder temperatures have also led to a number of reports of burst pipes in Devon and Cornwall, according to South West Water (SWW).

The company said in one period on Monday morning it dealt with 75 calls about suspected bursts and 74 calls from customers reporting no water or low pressure.

Mark Baker, from SWW, said: "Last week, frozen pipes were the problem.

"Now with a thaw, we are beginning to see a steep rise in bursts. We are doing all we can to repair bursts as quickly as possible."

At one convenience store in Crediton a burst pipe caused the ceiling to cave in, damaging hundreds of pounds worth stock.

Manager Jay Patel said: "The water came down like very heavy rain.

"We don't know what to do, this is the first time it's happened."