Floods In Littlehampton After River Arun Bursts Its Banks

The River Arun burst its banks in Littlehampton last night, leading to flooding near Ferry Road and Rope Walk which began in the early hours of this morning (April 9).

A rescue operation involving multiple emergency services took place overnight.

Scroll down to watch team from HM Coastguard, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, the RNLI, Sussex Police and others at work.

Additionally, there is flooding at the Medmerry Park holiday village between Bracklesham and Selsey, where rescue workers were assisting residents long before sunrise.

According to West Sussex County Council, some people have been evacuated.

Multiple ambulances arrived at the site, and SECAmb staff reported that one person showing signs of hypothermia was taken to hospital.

Leaders of the emergency operation said that people directly affected by either incident should get to high ground if possible, unless unable to leave their residence.

Otherwise, they asked, please avoid the areas to allow rescue operations to continue safely and effectively.

Anyone requiring life saving intervention or trapped in their residence was asked to use 999 to contact the Fire and Rescue Service or the Coastguard.

Arun District Council set up a rest centre at The Wave, in Littlehampton.

Flooding was also reported in Newhaven, particularly at Denton Island and West Quay, though residents said this had eased by 8am.

In Littlehampton, today's high tide at 12.30pm is expected to be 50cm lower than last night's, which was 70cm higher than originally forecast because of strong winds.

By 6am this morning, according to the Environment Agency, across Sussex there were eighteen flood alerts or warnings.

This film is from photographer Eddie Mitchell, who has been following the overnight rescue operation.