Minister warns of new flood threat

By Peter Griffiths

LONDON (Reuters) - Heavy rain could bring more flooding to parts of northern England still struggling to cope with the damage caused by last week's unprecedented storms, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said on Monday.

In an emergency statement to parliament, Benn said people in Cumbria, which was lashed by the heaviest downpours on record, should be prepared for more flooding.

"Further heavy rain is forecast overnight and there may be some further flooding," he said.

Three people have been killed and a fourth is missing after the unprecedented downpours, he added.

Policeman Bill Barker died when a bridge collapsed in the market town of Workington and Environment Agency contractor Michael Streeter was killed in an accident while working on flood defences at Selsey Bill on the south coast.

Canoeist Chris Wheeler died after becoming trapped on the swollen River Dart in Devon, while a woman is missing feared dead after falling into the River Usk in Brecon, mid-Wales.

"Our thoughts are with all their families and colleagues," Benn added. "It is utterly devastating and the House will wish to express its sympathy to all those affected."

About 1,300 properties were flooded in Cumbria, more than 1,000 lost electricity and 12,000 lost their phone lines, he added. Six bridges have collapsed due to the force of the water.