Northampton flooding: Clean up underway after dozens of homes and businesses damaged

Flash flooding has left a trail of destruction in Northampton.

More than 70 homes and businesses have been damaged after the town was badly hit by heavy rain overnight.

It's sparked accusations that Northamptonshire County Council have failed to clear the drains.

The County Council has launched an investigation into why the flooding has been so bad.

Volunteers from the Sikh community have been providing food and drinks to emergency services and people affected by floods.

More than 16mm of rain fell in just two hours in Northampton overnight.

Rescue boats were deployed in Far Cotton to help residents and business owners who were badly hit.

Homes in nearby Watton were also damaged, after a stream of water was seen running down residential streets.

Emergency crews have been out across the town today clearing the worst-affected areas.

Businesses have been forced to throw out items damaged by the water Credit: ITV News Anglia

Several shops, salons and takeaways in St Leonard's Road in Far Cotton were flooded.

Helen Sabroche's family owns a local hairdressing salon, which was left underwater after the flash flood.

She said: "It was just devastating to watch, there was just water coming in everywhere and people trying to come and salvage or protect their businesses and they couldn't.

"You were helpless, absolutely helpless, it all came in such a short space of time...everything from the knee downwards has been destroyed."