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20/11/2009
PC's Body Found As Floodwater Rages
Search teams in Cumbria have found the body of a police man believed to have been swept away by floods following a bridge collapse.
The recovered body was this afternoon identified as PC Bill Barker.
The 45-year-old went missing after the Northside Bridge toppled. Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham said he was "devastated" by the loss.
ACC Graham said PC Barker was directing motorists off the bridge, attempting to save lives, when the tragic incident occurred.
Authorities in Cumbria this morning said the extreme force of high waters passing under bridges is putting them at risk of structural damage.
Lorton Bridge, near Cockermouth, also collapsed as has Southwaite footbridge in Cockermouth.
So far, 200 people have been rescued by emergency services, with 50 RAF helicopters helping airlift locals to safety.
Aid workers have reported "very challenging" circumstances, as water levels in some parts of Cockermouth reach 2.5m (8ft 2in).
The collapse of Northside bridge has meant the gas supply into Workington has been cut off.
More than 1,200 homes have also been left without electricity.
Environment Agency officials described the deluge as "unprecedented", with Prime Minister Gordon Brown thanking emergency crews for their continued efforts.
Police said some members of the public have been reportedly been using bridges as vantage points to view the flood waters.
"This could be extremely dangerous and the public are advised to stay away from bridges and use caution and common sense," said a police spokesman.
He said engineers are attempting to monitor bridges for structural damage, but it is difficult to do this while waters remain so high.
People are being urged to avoid all non-essential travel in Cumbria. Many roads are closed and impassable, according to authorities.
(PR/KMcA)
The recovered body was this afternoon identified as PC Bill Barker.
The 45-year-old went missing after the Northside Bridge toppled. Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham said he was "devastated" by the loss.
ACC Graham said PC Barker was directing motorists off the bridge, attempting to save lives, when the tragic incident occurred.
Authorities in Cumbria this morning said the extreme force of high waters passing under bridges is putting them at risk of structural damage.
Lorton Bridge, near Cockermouth, also collapsed as has Southwaite footbridge in Cockermouth.
So far, 200 people have been rescued by emergency services, with 50 RAF helicopters helping airlift locals to safety.
Aid workers have reported "very challenging" circumstances, as water levels in some parts of Cockermouth reach 2.5m (8ft 2in).
The collapse of Northside bridge has meant the gas supply into Workington has been cut off.
More than 1,200 homes have also been left without electricity.
Environment Agency officials described the deluge as "unprecedented", with Prime Minister Gordon Brown thanking emergency crews for their continued efforts.
Police said some members of the public have been reportedly been using bridges as vantage points to view the flood waters.
"This could be extremely dangerous and the public are advised to stay away from bridges and use caution and common sense," said a police spokesman.
He said engineers are attempting to monitor bridges for structural damage, but it is difficult to do this while waters remain so high.
People are being urged to avoid all non-essential travel in Cumbria. Many roads are closed and impassable, according to authorities.
(PR/KMcA)
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