This was the scene in a Purley street this morning just hours after people were evacuated from their homes in a late night rescue.

The evacuation of 22 people from a block of flats and a care home in Dale Road at about 12.30am was a precautionary measure due to water overflowing from the Bourne river.

Eighteen of the evacuees are in a temporary rest centre at Croydon Council's headquarters in Bernard Weatherill House, Mint Walk, Croydon.

Four people made their own arrangements to stay with relatives.

Councillor Steve Hollands, who lives in Dale Road, said: “Last night when I got home the water level was high in the lower part of the road and we made sure we got some sandbags and tankers to pump out the water.

“It was about six or 7in deep but then by about 7.30am the water level was a lot higher.”

But the Kenley ward councillor said tomorrow’s weather should not be as bad.

He said: “The briefing I have had so far is that there will be a respite tomorrow and then some bad weather on Friday.

“It is difficult to tell which way it is going to go.”

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