FLOOD warnings were issued overnight with police asking people to avoid 'dangerous' areas of East Lancashire.

Last night, warnings were issued with areas of of the county being put into amber and red alerts after a wet and windy weekend led to rising river levels.

Police were asking people to avoid Chipping, Waddington and Sawley after the conditions were described as 'dangerous', and in Langho, Longsight Road was closed due to flooding.

Last night a spokesperson for the flood warning service said:"River levels have risen at the Walton le dale river gauge as a result of persistent heavy rainfall.

"Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is possible between 2330 Sunday 01/11/20 and 0800 Monday, 02/11/20.

"Flooding is expected to affect low lying land and roads in Darwen, Blackburn, Higher Walton, Walton-le-Dale, Samlesbury, Preston, Fulwood, Cadley, Lea and Penwortham.

"High river levels are possible on the Rivers Ribble, Darwen and Blakewater, Savick Brook, Eaves Brook and Sharoe Brook and their tributaries. Flooding of properties is not forecast at this point."

High water levels were reported for the Rivers Ribble Darwen and Blakewater, Savick Brook, Eaves Brook and Sharoe Brook and their tributaries, with warnings following into today.

On a Facebook post, Ribble Valley Police said: "We are receiving an increasing volume of calls in relation to the flooding in the Ribble Valley Area.

"It is recommended that people avoid the areas of Chipping, Waddington and Sawley, due to high levels of flooding as conditions are currently dangerous.

"Highways have a number of road closures in place and caution is advised if you have to make essential travel.

"We are working closely with Highways and the Environment Agency to combat this situation and will keep you all updated."