Three dead after giant waves, cyclone-strength winds and torrential rain hits Australia's east coast

Three people have died after giant waves, hurricane-strength winds and heavy rain hit Australia's east coast on Monday, forcing hundreds to flee their homes.

Waves up to five metres high pounded large parts of the east coast, including Sydney, with meteorologists warning of further bad weather on the way.

One man died after being swept off the rocks near Sydney's famous Bondi beach, while two bodies were found in cars washed away by flood waters.

Emergency services in New South Wales said they had received more than 9,250 calls and had carried out 280 flood rescues.

Insurance companies are estimated to pay out A$38m (£19.4m), with more than 11,150 claims made already, the Insurance Council of Australia said.

Pictures show the scale of the damage.