Loughborough flood warning in place and alerts issued across region

The brook in Rearsby, Leicestershire, was flooded this morning

A flood warning has been put in place in Leicestershire, and alerts have been issued across the East Midlands as a result of persistent heavy rainfall.

The Environment Agency has issued a warning for River Soar at Loughborough.

The authority said a warning means "flooding is expected - act now".

There are also several flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible - be prepared - at places across the region, including at the River Trent tributaries in Nottinghamshire.

In Leicestershire, the warning is for Wood Brook and River Soar at Loughborough, including areas around Loughborough Meadows, the Industrial Estates, and the Queen's Park.

The Environment Agency said: "River levels are rising at the Lisle Street river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall."

It said the most at risk areas were north of the A6 in Loughborough, including business properties around Belton Road.

The authority asked the public to "please avoid using low-lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low-lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded".

It added further rainfall was forecast, and river levels were expected to remain high until tomorrow.

Other flood alerts in place include Rothley Brook and Quorn Brook in Leicestershire, River Erewash tributaries in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, and the River Devon and Smite in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.