GMFRS water rescue experts called to Devon floods

Experts in water rescue techniques from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) are helping firefighters in Devon and Somerset with their response to the floods.

Seven members of GMFRS Water Incident Teams (WIT) from across the Service have been sent to the flooded areas after Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service requested their expertise.

The GMFRS WIT members will be joined by firefighters from other fire and rescue services as part of a national response to the flooding.

The Environment Agency has issued 33 flood warnings and 56 flood alerts across the South West of England.

Water Incident Team Leader, Gary Dewar, said: "We've been asked to go down there by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

"They're experiencing high levels of rain fall down there and another weather front is coming in. Some villages have already been cut off by flooding."

The teams will get to work as soon as they arrive in the affected areas today and are expecting to be at the scene of the floods until Sunday.