Homes evacuated as floods engulf towns

HUNDREDS of residents were facing evacuation and two bridges were washed away as floods and heavy rain continued to batter the UK yesterday.

- Stewart Whittingham

People had to flee their homes in Scotland and Cumbria after a foot of rain fell in torrential downpours.

The River Nith burst its banks in Dumfries and a swollen waterway dragged down two bridges in the town of Annan in the Scottish Borders.

Four people had to be rescued from homes and buildings by police and emergency services.

And a car was seen being swept away by high waters in Burnbraes Park in Biggar, South Lanarkshire.

Holidaymakers and their dogs were saved in an inflatable dingy by mountain rescue as waters rose in Southwaite Mill at Penrith, Cumbria.