THURROCK woke up on Christmas morning with the worry that a flood warning has been issued for parts of the borough.

Yesterday's heavy rain from mid afternoon into the early hours of today (25 December) left many roads with large areas of standing water and has prompted the Environment agency to warn more problems may follow.

The flood alert is in force along the route of the Mardyke, from Bulphan to the Thames at Purfleet - an area that has been troubled by heavy floods over the past couple of years.

A statement from the agency says: "This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely from now into tomorrow (Sunday, 26 December).

"River levels are expected to continue to rise.

"Areas most at risk are low lying roads and riverside areas along the River Mardyke between North Stifford and Purfleet.

"The forecast is for further rain this afternoon and overnight to which river levels are likely to react.

"Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger.

"We are monitoring the situation and will update as necessary."