A brewery was completely flooded when the River Ouse burst its banks and caused major flooding in Lewes today.

The Environment Agency had issued a severe flood warning for the river earlier in the day.

Dozens of homes and businesses in Lewes have been devastated after flood water swept through the lower section of the ancient castle town.

At 3.25pm a wall at Harveys Brewery in Cliffe High Street collapsed under the weight of the water.

Ambulance paramedics were sent to the scene but it is understood none of the 20 workers inside was seriously hurt.

Lewes has been closed off to traffic with only emergency vehicles being allowed access.

East Sussex Fire Brigade was tonight regrouping its workforce in time for midnight's high tide.

A total of 16 fire crews were working in Lewes while several others were taking a break and preparing for what is expected to be another rough night with heavy rain.

In Lewes, 27 people were rescued from an office in North Street.

The Environment Agency said the floods were the worst the county had seen for 40 years.

In the centre of Lewes police were advising people who had gathered on a bridge over the Ouse, which burst its banks at lunchtime, to return to their cars immediately or risk being stranded overnight as floodwaters rose.