Exmouth firefighters helped rescue elderly residents in Somerset in the early hours of this morning (Thursday 21 October) following severe flooding.

A specialist water rescue boat team from Exmouth was mobilised after the whole site at Holway House Park in Ilminster began to flood.

Alongside firefighters from South Molton, Chard, and Ilminster, they helped rescue 10 residents unable to leave their properties, making multiple trips to get them to a place of safety before they and other residents who had safely evacuated could be transferred to temporary accommodation.

A report from Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service read: "We received multiple calls from concerned residents of Holway House Park, Station Road in Ilminster, after the whole site containing 30 park homes started to quickly and severely flood.

"Due to concern for the elderly residents, who were unable to leave their properties, fire appliances dealing with flooding incidents elsewhere were diverted to attend this incident, as well as mobilising a water rescue boat team from Exmouth.

"Crews worked well, accessing individual park homes to assess occupants and evacuate them where necessary, using flood suits to wade alongside the boat, making multiple trips to get occupants to a place of safety before being transported by fire service staff to local temporary accommodation that had been arranged for them.

"We rescued 10 residents in total, with other residents safely evacuating themselves prior to and during our attendance, following suitable safety advice and guidance. The incident was brought under control at 0503hrs and these are the full and final details."

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