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In pictures: Aerial images reveal the extent of flood devastation as River Severn bursts its banks

Aerial pictures reveal the damage caused by flooding in the city of Worcester and the surrounding county of Worcestershire - with public spaces, sports grounds and residential areas submerged in water.

The River Severn burst its banks after reaching its highest ever level of 5.77m (19ft) on Thursday after several nights of heavy rain - with more downfalls forecast across ‘ten days of difficulty’.

New pictures show Worcestershire Country Cricket ground and several rugby and football pitches flooded, as well as a branch of McDonald’s turned into an island by surrounding flood water.

The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Environment Agency said 500 tonnes of water – the equivalent to six HGVs – was flowing through the city every second.

Meanwhile in Ironbridge a severe danger to life notification remains in place after dozens of residents were evacuated when flood barriers buckled under the force of the water.

Several bridges and barriers are also due to be inspected by Shropshire Council over fears the floods have eroded them, as Storm Gorge - the third named storm of 2020 - approaches this weekend.