Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said 56 members of the public had so far been rescued by crews All railway lines between Derby and both Nottingham and East Midlands Parkway are closed, as well as lines between Peterborough and Leicester

On Monday evening, a severe flood warning was issued by the Environment Agency for a stretch of the River Soar in Barrow upon Soar. It said rising levels at the Pillings Lock posed a risk to properties at a nearby marina and caravan park. Earlier the fire service said 59 members of the public had been rescued so far.

Leicestershire and Lincolnshire have both declared major incidents following the extreme weather which has triggered dozens of flood warnings, including one ranked as a danger to life.