At least 17 people rescued in flooding as snow-hit UK has 'miserable Monday'

A major incident was declared in Leicestershire after melting snow and rain led to widespread flooding on a "miserable Monday" across the UK that saw travel chaos, power cuts and school closures.

- Mark Brown

The Met Office said there was no immediate prospect of a respite in the wintry weather, with yellow warnings put in place until tomorrow.

Leicestershire fire and rescue services, which declared the major incident, said crews rescued at least 17 people after more than 200 calls were received yesterday morning.

The incidents involved evacuating people from flooded homes, rising water and cars in flood water.

A Leicestershire restaurant owner was hailed a hero after rescuing a woman from a submerged car. Footage shows Cimi Kazazi, who owns the Italian Greyhound in Great Glen, wading chest-high through flood water and helping the woman to safety.

By yesterday afternoon there were 179 flood warnings (flooding expected) in place across England and 310 flood alerts (flooding possible).