Storm Babet: Man dies after getting caught in flood water in south Shropshire

Members of the public reported that the man had gone under the water, which came from a brook in Cleobury Mortimer and entered a road surface near Furnace Mill Fishery shortly before 10.40am today.

Emergency service crews attended but the man was sadly found dead around two hours later.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "Officers from West Mercia Police and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service quickly attended but sadly he was found deceased at around 12.35pm.

"Whilst formal identification hasn’t yet taken place the family of a local man in his 60s have been informed and are being supported by officers."

West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed it was called to the incident at 10.42am, and sent one ambulance, two paramedic officers, the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham to the scene.

A spokesman said: “When ambulance crews arrived on scene they quickly began working with fire and police colleagues to try and find the man, who was reported to have gone under the water by a member of the public.

“Following a thorough search and rescue operation, the man was rescued from the water. However, sadly it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

John Greaves, chair of Cleobury Mortimer Parish Council said: "We are in a rural community surrounded by small tributaries and with the level of rainfall that we have seen and sudden, sharp downpours, these idyllic looking brooks can turn into a danger quickly and a small stream can become an absolute death trap.

"It was a shock and very tragic news. We (the town council) all express our condolences to the family.

"It's a reminder that we all need to be very careful when walking out and about around the community."

Shropshire Council leader Lezley Picton said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of a man in south Shropshire today. My thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends.”

Philip Dunne MP for the Ludlow constituency commented on the tragedy this afternoon, saying: "While not aware of the specific circumstances of this tragedy, I am deeply saddened to learn a local man has died in floodwaters at Cleobury Mortimer today.

"Unfortunately several communities in South Shropshire have been badly affected by Storm Babet, like many around the country.

"My condolences to his family and friends. My thoughts are with all those impacted by this tragedy and the wider flooding caused by the storm.

"I commend Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service for their commitment in helping people in need.

"I encourage those who do not need to travel to do so during daylight as there are many areas of flooded roads currently in South Shropshire."

The man is the third person to die since Storm Babet hit the UK.

Police Scotland said a falling tree hit a van near Forfar in Angus on Thursday evening, killing the 56-year-old driver. A 57-year-old woman also died on Thursday after being swept into a river in the region.