Flooding hits Cornwall

Torrential rain and gale-force winds have battered the English county of Cornwall, causing serious flooding and sparking a massive rescue operation.

Many residents became trapped in their homes as parts of the county were cut off by deep waters.

Devon and Cornwall Police advised people not to travel, as many roads remained closed and a landslide shut down a railway line.

While the heavy rainfall had subsided by last night, river levels were rising, sparking fresh concern.

Several schools were closed, as was the popular ecological tourist attraction the Eden Project.

Emergency workers were rescuing a steady stream of residents from rooftops and high ground.

No casualties have been reported.

- AGENCIES