Two people rescued after car swept off road by strong flood waters

Two people have been rescued by emergency services in the Scottish borders after their car was swept off the road by flood waters.

Crews were called at 7pm on Saturday evening after reports of a driver and passenger trapped in a vehicle, near Newcastleton, after a nearby river burst its banks.

Water rescue technicians, the fire service and police from across the region, helped in the operation by setting up a line system to lower rescuers down to the people in need.

The couple were left clinging to a gate as the strong currents swept away parts of the road and fence.

After a lengthy rescue operation, emergency services were able to pull them back onto the road to a waiting ambulance. They were taken to hospital and have since been discharged.

A spokesperson from Cumbria Fire and Rescue service said: "In 17 years of service, this has to be up there with one of the most time-critical, adverse, and dynamic rescues I have been involved in."

Ian Seel, group manager with Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said: "We formulated a rescue plan but the river was in such spate conditions that it was difficult to help the two people trapped.

"We did consider calling a helicopter as another means of rescue but in our favour the water levels started to drop."

A further alert for high winds has been issued from 12:00pm on Sunday to 12:00am on Monday covering most of the country.