River Mersey bursts banks as flood warning issued and residents told to move to safety

The River Mersey has burst its banks as a flood warning was issued and residents told to move safety.

Footage has emerged of the major waterway completely swamping the area after relentless rainfall over the last few days, Manchester Evening News reports.

A flood warning was also given after rain flooded the region with the worst affected areas including Didsbury Golf Course at Cheadle Wood and Ford Lane.

More rain is expected to increase flooding in the area and residents have been warned to 'act now'.

The Environment Agency asked nearby residents to move family and pets to safety.

They were also advised to move furniture and important items upstairs and turn off gas, electricity and water supplies.

The flooding prompted warnings from the Environment Agency (MEN Media)

Warnings have also been issued to avoid walking or driving through the water.

The Environment Agency told Manchester Evening News : "River levels are rising on the River Mersey due to heavy rainfall and flooding is expected close to the River Mersey at Didsbury Golf Course and Cheadle Wood from 9am today.

"Further rainfall is forecast throughout the morning and into the afternoon and people are being warned to avoid walking or driving through the water.

"River levels are expected to remain high throughout today."

A flood alert, which means flooding is possible, has also been issued for the Middle River Mersey catchment area, including areas near Bramhall, Stockport, Sale, Altrincham and Urmston.

Roads were closed as many places became inaccessible (MEN Media)

And an alert has also been issued for the upper River Douglas area, covering parts of Wigan.

The agency says it will continue to monitor the forecast and re-issue these warnings if necessary.

"Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water," it added.

For residents whose homes are in the flood warning area, you should:

• Move vehicles to higher ground if it’s safe to do so
• Move family and pets to safety
• Move important items upstairs or to a safe place in your property, starting with cherished items and valuables, then furniture and furnishings

The worst affected areas by the Mersey burst included Didsbury Golf Course at Cheadle Wood and Ford Lane (MEN Media)

• Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it’s safe to do so; never touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water
• If you have property protection products such as flood barriers, or air brick covers, use them now

If you are in the area covered by a flood alert, you should:

• Sign up for flood warnings
• Call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood updates
• Have a bag ready with vital items like insurance documents and medications in case you need to leave your home
• Check you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies
• Plan how you'll move family and pets to safety