Flooding in New Brighton leaves cars and shops under water

Strong winds and a high tide caused flooding in New Brighton

Flooding on the New Brighton waterfront has left cars and businesses partly submerged by sea water.

Eight fire crews were called to Morrisons car park after vehicles were stranded in 2ft of flood water as a result of the severe weather.

Merseyside Police warned the area was "unsafe" because of the conditions. Roads have been closed.

In Knowsley, a man is in a serious condition in hospital after a 60ft (18m) tree fell in high winds.

He was injured when the tree landed on two cars and a house in Old Meadow shortly after 10:30 GMT.

Water surrounds cinema

The Black Pearl was washed away by the high tides

Merseyside Police warned the public to stay away from New Brighton Promenade and Vale Park due to the weather conditions.

Localised flooding has been reported at Home Bargains at Marine Point and Morrisons at Kings Parade, close to New Brighton waterfront.

A Merseyside Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: "We were called to reports of flooding in the area. We have appliances at the scene."

A Morrisons spokesman said the store "has an inch of water on the floor".

People leaving early screenings at the Light Cinema, New Brighton, emerged to find flood water surrounding the building. The cinema closed for the day due to the weather.

The Black Pearl, a replica "pirate ship" made from driftwood and other objects found on New Brighton beach, was swept away by the tidal surge.