Gloucester's GL1 Leisure Centre becomes rescue base for flood evacuees

Families left their homes and possessions last night as they evacuated because of rising water levels on the River Severn.

Residents in the Gloucester villages of Hempsted and Alney Island were told they were 'at risk' from the rising river levels.

The warning prompted some of those living in the affected area to pack up and spend the night in a makeshift rescue centre at the GL1 Leisure Centre.

Police were patrolling the area warning residents of the risks last night Credit: Gloucestershire Live/BPM Media

Severe flood warnings, meaning a possible danger to life, are still in place this morning [February 19] further up the River Severn in Worcestershire.

The impact of the river bursting banks in the wake of Storm Dennis this week is still being felt by those living near the river in Gloucestershire.

Predictions indicate that the water levels in Gloucester could top 4.5m, around 40cm shy of the peak during the 2007 floods.

A local councillor has praised the 'resilience' of those from Alney Island.

Flood warnings remain in place Credit: The Environment Agency

Red flood warnings are currently in place at Alney Island, Gloucester, Hempsted, Minsterworth and Stonebench, Sandhurst and Maisemore, and Trigworth and Longford.