Police officer killed as floods ravage northwest

By Nigel Roddis

COCKERMOUTH (Reuters) - A policeman was killed after being swept away when a bridge collapsed during floods which followed torrential rain in northerwestern areas on Friday.

The officer was killed as flood defences in Cumbrian towns were overwhelmed by unprecedented downpours that officials said could be expected only once in 1,000 years.

The Environment Agency said 314 mm (12.4 inches) had fallen within 24 hours in one area, a record for England. The Meteorological Office said the amount of rain expected for all of November had fallen in one day.

"It was described to me this morning, this particular flood, as of biblical proportions," Tony Cunningham, MP for Workington, one of the worst affected towns, told Sky News.

Cumbrian police said the body of Police Constable Bill Barker, 44, who disappeared when a bridge in Workington collapsed, had been found on a beach in West Cumbria.

Father of four Barker, an officer for 25 years who was due to celebrate his birthday on Saturday, had been directing motorists off the bridge when it collapsed.

"Over the last few days, Cumbria has faced some of the most severe weather conditions ever and Bill was amongst the hundreds of officers and staff dedicated to rescuing local people and ensuring the safety of our communities," said Chief Constable Craig Mackey.

"Bill is a hero who died saving the lives of others and our thoughts are with his family at this devastating time."