Leicestershire Fire Service declare 'Major Incident' due to flooding

The Fire and Rescue Service that covers Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland have declared a 'major incident' in response to widespread flooding across the areas.

Since this morning the control room for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Control received over 200 calls.

Crews have been called out to incidents which included cars stuck in flood water, evacuating residents from flooded homes, and rising water.

So far today (6th January) we're told 59 members of the public have been rescued by LFRS crews.

Appliances from all Stations across the Service are actively responding to calls.

Judi Beresford, Assistant Chief Fire and Rescue Officer said,

"Flooding poses a serious risk to lives and property, and we urge everyone to take these warnings seriously.

"Our Control room and crews are working tirelessly to assist those in need and to keep people safe.

"We are working with our partners to reduce the impact of this major incident and ask the public to avoid flooded routes when travelling and never to enter floodwater".

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "Major incidents have been declared in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire due to severe flooding.

"My thoughts are with all those affected and my thanks to responders working hard to keep communities safe.

"Anyone in these areas should follow advice from the emergency services."

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