Devastating downpour breaks rainfall record

The unprecedented downpour over Cumbria was the highest level of rainfall measured in the country since records began, forecasters said yesterday.

The record-breaking rainfall - reaching 314mm in 24 hours - is the highest level witnessed in 44 years. The reading taken from the Environment Agency's gauging station at Seathwaite Farm exceeds the 279.4mm recorded in 24 hours in Martinstown, Dorset, in July 1955.

Statistics compiled by MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, show the deluge is the greatest seen since meteorologists started using instruments to record rainfall - back in 1727.

Forecasters described the devastating rainfall over Cumbria as at "historical" levels for the country.

Environment Agency chairman Lord Smith was in Cockermouth yesterday. He said: "This is an extremely serious incident... We have seen unprecedented rainfall, with what we believe is a record amount for a 24-hour period in England."

Julian Mayes, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said the levels of rain in Cumbria were equivalent to five or six months of rainfall typically experienced over London and the south east of England.

"The fact that there's eight feet of water in some places is not that surprising," he said.

"Primarily, it's the sheer quantity in the last 36 hours that has caused the flooding. But in November the ground is saturated. The rain can't get into the soil, it just runs off. That means rivers rise very quickly and suddenly."

Meanwhile the body found in the search for a hero police constable swept away when a bridge collapsed in floods was confirmed as PC Bill Barker yesterday.

PC Barker, 44, who served with Cumbria Police for 25 years, would have celebrated his 45th birthday today. He was described as a wonderful police officer and a real family man who leaves behind a wife and four children in their home in Egremont - two boys and two girls - aged between eight and 16.

Cumbria Police chief constable Craig Mackey said: "Bill is a hero who died saving the lives of others and our thoughts are with his family at this devastating time. He was a much-loved friend, colleague and an inspiration to everyone he knew - he will be sadly missed.

The severe flooding in the county was driven by a combination of heavy rain, saturated ground and swollen rivers. Four bridges collapsed, main roads were blocked, schools were closed and more than 200 people were forced to leave their homes in nearby Cockermouth overnight after the deluge struck.

Cockermouth appeared to be worst hit, with both rivers running through the town bursting their banks.