Torrential rain and gale-force winds battered parts of Cornwall overnight into yesterday, 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 prompted the suspension of a railway line between Liskeard and Lostwithiel.

While the heavy rainfall had subsided by yesterday afternoon, river levels were rising, sparking fresh concern in Lostwithiel, Launceston, Liskeard and Bude.

Lostwithiel remained impassable, as did Mevagissey, where emergency services were evacuating 100 properties.

“While the weather is improving the rising river levels pose a serious danger to the public, said Chief Superintendent Chris Boarland, police commander for Cornwall.

“People should avoid travelling throughout the county and must never try to cross flooded roads.”

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