Driver and children rescued from flooded fords in New Forest

Fire crews were called to two different locations on Saturday (14th November) after drivers attempted to cross fords and became stuck.

In the first incident just before 4pm a white van became stuck in fast flowing water at Giles Lane in Landford.

Fire crews say the water had risen to "approximately 3ft."

A specialist water rescue team from Fareham was called to the scene and the female driver was brought to safety forty minutes later and handed to the care of paramedics on scene.

The road was closed while the van was recovered.

The ford is notorious for reaching high levels, in December last year the occupants of one vehicle that attempted to cross it had and got stuck had to swim to safety.

In 2001 a man died after his car was swept away in four feet deep water.

CHILDREN RESCUED

Fire crews were also called to the ford at Rockford near Moyles Court School where a vehicle had also become trapped in flood waters.

Four young children had to be rescued while the driver managed to escape.

The road was later shut to prevent further incidents.

In February of this year a DPD driver had to be pulled to safety by passers after his vehicle was swept away by the current and got stuck under a tree.

The incident was posted on social media in a bid to deter others.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue says motorists must be vigilant.

"Please please be careful...if you are not sure how deep the water is don't risk it!"