Driver in 'lucky escape' after floods in Essex sweep van away

A sinking van in a ford in Sible Hedingham in Essex, in the aftermath of Storm Henk. Credit: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service / Twitter
The driver had a "lucky escape" said firefighters. Credit: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

A van driver had a "lucky escape" after attempting to drive through a ford swollen by flood waters, prompting a safety warning from the fire service.

The vehicle was swept away in Sible Hedingham in Essex on Wednesay, amid flooding caused by the aftermath of Storm Henk.

Flooding and storm damage has been widespread across the region, after winds of more than 60mph hit late on Tuesday.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service warned drivers not to take unnecessary risks with floodwater.

"This driver had lucky escape when he went into a ford in Sible Hedingham today and his van was swept away. He managed to get to safety," they said on X, formerly Twitter.

"With rain forecast over the next 48 hours on already saturated ground, there is a risk of flooding.

"Do not risk driving through floodwater. "

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