Dramatic aerial pictures reveal the shocking extent of flooding in Bewdley after flood barriers were breached overnight leaving homes and businesses under water.

Floodwater started gushing over the barriers in the Worcestershire town "like a tidal wave" as the River Severn rose to near-record levels.

The temporary defences were installed earlier this week in a bid to protect homes and business in the aftermath of Storm Christoph.

But the full impact of the swelling river arrived early this morning (Sat) as barriers on Beales Corner were breached and water spilled into nearby properties.

River levels are now expected to be similar to those of the February 2020 floods, which were the worst to hit the area in 20 years.

The river was expected to peak at 5.5 metres (18ft) in Bewdley with the water level expected to stay high for several days.

Flood warnings remain in place along the length of the River Severn including at Bewdley, Blackstone and Stourport.

Councillor Simon Geraghty, of Worcestershire County Council, said: "We recognise the impact that Storm Christoph and the subsequent flooding has had, and will continue to have, on residents, businesses and local communities across the county.

"The recent rainfall that we've seen, has led to some areas of the county being flooded in a matter of weeks.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our front-line staff and the emergency services teams who are working tirelessly to keep the residents of Worcestershire as safe as possible.

"This has been made even more difficult given the challenging and rapidly developing situation in addition to dealing with an emergency during a pandemic and in national lockdown."

Dave Throup, Environment Agency manager for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, tweeted: "Sadly our flood defence at Beales Corner were compromised overnight.

"We're responding on site with partners. Other defences at Bewdley all ok."

Irene Buxton, 70, who lives close to the defences told the BBC she was woken by a "crash" as the barriers collapsed last night.

She said: "I looked out of the window and it was like a tidal wave going towards the town.

"The water is in my hall and in my kitchen and we're just battling to keep it out of the living room."

The Severn had been rising steeply since Storm Christoph brought heavy rain at the start of the week and started spilling over its banks from Wednesday (20/1).

In Worcester, at-risk householders are being contacted by the city council and offered rest-centre accommodation.

This weekend the wet conditions will be replaced by freezing temperatures, prompting a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across the Midlands and much of the UK.