Driver from Middlesex drowns in flood

A driver from Middlesex drowned in floods yesterday as his submerged car was swept along river in Hampshire.

The 54-year-old woman driver - believed to be his wife - managed to open the door of the Toyota Yaris and siam to safety as it was swept 200 yards downstream by the fast-flowing current.

The 52-year-old man had been attempting to cross a ford at Headley, near Newbury, when his vehicle was swamped, turning upside down and sinking.

He was pronounced dead from drowning in the River Enborne, described as a “normally placid stream” which had been “transformed into a raging torrent by the monsoon-like rain”.

It's believed the couple may have been following the directions on their sat nav when they got into difficulties.

One source said it was believed the man who drowned had lost his life trying to save a dog which was in the back of the car.

But as he was trying to release the animal the car was swept downstream 200 yards and overturned.

The dangerous water is the result of heavy downpours throughout the weekend, with winds up to 70mps in southern England bringing down trees and leaving homes without power.

The Met Office has confirmed that April has been the wettest since records began in 1910, with showers set to continue for at least the next week.