Homes evacuated, people rescued from cars and roads and train lines closed as flooding causes carnage

People have been forced to flee their homes and others rescued with torrential downpours causing 'severe' and 'significant' flooding across Greater Manchester.

Rivers have burst their banks with streets becoming submerged and homes being swamped. Emergency services have had to rescue people stuck in floating cars and those trapped in properties.

Parts of the region have seen more than 80mm (three inches) of rain fall in the last 24 hours. Rivers including the River Tame in Tameside and the Mersey in Stockport have risen to record heighs in places. City centre canals have overflowed whilst there have been issues around the River Medlock in the city centre and east Manchester.

Transport chiefs urged people not to travel by train this morning and to only drive 'if absolutely neccessary.' The heavy rainfall began causing issues in the early hours.

Those living near the Micker Brook, a tributary of the River Mersey, said roads in and around Cheadle were submerged with water getting into their homes and their electrics being cut. One family said the water in their home was two feet deep. Several said they had been forced to flee to safety.

In Broadbottom, Tameside, locals said a wall collapsed onto cars before water came gushing into houses. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue (GMFRS) said they were experiencing a 'high number' of flood related calls.

As daylight broke this morning, the extent of the issues being experienced across the region then began to emerge. At Meadow Mill in Stockport, on the banks of the River Tame, residents said they are 'trapped' and are currently being evacuated by emergency services.

Pictures showed fire crews and paramedics at the building, where the lower floors and car park have been flooded