Heavy rain floods homes and roads

Heavy rain has resulted in houses and several roads being flooded across Birmingham and the Black Country.

West Midlands Fire Service said it was dealing with a major incident on Bristol Road, Bournbrook, Birmingham, where six houses were flooded.

Another 20 houses in Frankley were under more than 3ft (1m) of water.

The fire service said it had dealt with more than 100 calls. Birmingham City Council said demand for sandbags had outstripped supply.

In Hall Green a car had to be abandoned at a ford over the River Cole after it became stuck in the river which had risen to about 4ft (1.2m).

There were also reports of cars being abandoned by drivers on Pershore Road.

A severe weather warning was issued for the region by the Met Office and motorists have been advised to take care on the roads.

Up to 22mm (0.9 ins) of rain was predicted in some areas in just three hours during Saturday afternoon.

The Environment Agency said the threat of flooding was likely to increase as rainwater drained into river systems.

West Midlands Police have urged parents not to let children play near swollen streams.

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