Wave-hit car park remains closed

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The conditions are a combination of bad weather and spring tides

A north Devon car park is likely to remain closed for several days after weather conditions caused damage to several vehicles.

High winds and tides caused large waves to crash into Cheyne Beach car park in Ilfracombe on Monday night.

The surging water damaged a number of parked vehicles, including one which had its windscreen smashed out.

The car park has been known to flood before. Police said it was to remain closed for at least two more days.

Higher ground

Car owners were warned to stay away from the car park on Monday evening after it was lashed by the heavy waves which caused some parked vehicles to smash together.

At least one car was written off and there were "a dozen others with body damage", Devon and Cornwall Police said.

Holidaymaker Jenny Cooper, from Wolverhampton, was able to collect her vehicle on Tuesday morning, but said she was not sure whether she would be able to drive back home until the car had been examined by a mechanic.

She said: "I came down and picked it up, but I've got damage to the side of the car and the front of the bonnet.

"It was driveable, but I won't be able to get home."

Officers advised motorists to use car parks on higher ground while Cheyne Beach was closed.