Whaley Bridge Emergency Evacuation - live updates
Video: Colin Dyter
UPDATE: Hundreds of Whaley Bridge residents told they can finally return home
Residents are being evacuated from the town of Whaley Bridge in Derbyshire over fears that a damaged dam wall could give way.
Police have cordoned off the area around Toddbrook Reservoir - thought to be home to around 6,500 people and 2,794 households.
It comes after heavy rain across the North West over the past few days has led to wide spread damage and disruption.
Pictures show panels on one side of the dam have partially collapsed.
Ashley Derricott has the latest from Whaley Bridge and spoke to Lee Rawlinson, from the Environmental Agency who said they are 'preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best.'
Derbyshire Police say: "Priority is to ensure people are kept safe and well and are not taking unnecessary risks.
"This is an unprecedented, fast-moving, emergency situation."
The leader of Derbyshire Council, Barry Lewis has issued a statement on Twitter, he said:
"My thoughts are with the residents of Whaley Bridge who have been evacuated from their homes and businesses.
"But let me reassure you that all agencies are pulling together and working extremely hard to keep you and your family safe"
The Environment Agency has issued a severe flood warning indicating danger to life. It said river levels in the River Goyt could "rise rapidly" as a result of water coming from the reservoir.
Police are urging people to leave their homes and are asked to attend Chapel High School, Long Lane, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak, SK23 0TQ, where further direction will be given.
Residents are also advised to make alternative arrangements to stay with friends and family and to ensure that any pets are taken with them, as well as all medication that may be needed for a number of days is taken with them.
If people do not have somewhere to go then they will be accommodated, however, police say there is limited capacity to do so.
If you are unable to leave your own home and require assistance please contact 101 and ask for the police.
Rob Smith has been speaking with residents at the Chapel En Le Frith evacuation point in Whaley Bridge:
National Rail said flooding between Hazel Grove and Buxton - a line that goes through the Whaley Bridge area - has suspended trains between the two stations.
The network tweeted: "We don't have a firm estimate of how long incident will last; however, we anticipate that disruption will continue until at least the end of the day."
All roads to and from Whaley Bridge have been closed.
An ambulance support unit is also set up in Whaley Bridge.
The Canal and River Trust have confirmed engineers are on site to assess the damage and determine what the next steps are.