River Arun flooding: Council sets up Littlehampton Wave for refuge

Residents affected by flooding are being urged to head to Wave in Littlehampton after homes and warehouses were hit by a deluge of water overnight.

Around 180 people were rescued from the flood waters in West Sussex earlier today as families and pets were ferried away from the scene in dinghies.

Arun District Council says a “major incident” was declared after high tides at midnight which saw 42 caravans and properties in Ferry Road and Rope Walk in Littlehampton be flooded.

Access down Rope Walk and to West Beach Car Park is also currently severely restricted as it is currently impassable. People are urged to avoid the area.

A council spokesman said: "A rest centre was set up at the Wave Littlehampton where residents were able to take refuge. The centre remains operational this morning.

Follow Live Updates: Dozens evacuated after severe flooding at holiday park

"The next high tide at midday is predicted to be lower than last night however there may be further impacts – this is being assessed with other services this morning."

Dozens of people were ferried away from a holiday park in Selsey after taking refuge in a nearby pub.

Fire crews, the coastguard and the RNLI have helped to rescue people trapped by the waters at the Medmerry Holiday Park near Selsey.

A dog rescued from Medmerry (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

A spokesman for the ambulance service said that one person had been taken to hospital.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said that fire crews have now left the scene.

A coastguard spokeswoman added: "HM Coastguard has specialist flood rescue teams who have been deployed alongside emergency service partners throughout the night.

"This response included deployments in Littlehampton and near Selsey, where Coastguard Rescue Teams from Hampshire and Sussex helped rescue residents from flooded areas."