A family of five were rescued from their basement flat as flash flooding swept across east London on Friday night.

Firefighters were called to the home in Wrights Road, Bow, at about 3.20pm, as water reached waist height within minutes.

Crews attended numerous other incidents over the course of the evening, including flooded basements and blocked roads in Hackney, Forest Gate and Stratford, although no injuries were reported.

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: “The modern fire service doesn’t just put out fires but deals with a range of emergencies, including road traffic accidents, building collapses and flooding.

“In London we have a range of specialist equipment to rescue people trapped by flood water, help us pump water away and to help us protect properties.”

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