Many families in Bedfordshire have been urged to leave their homes immediately on Christmas Day as the UK braces for Storm Bella.

Bedfordshire Police have ‘strongly’ advised residents living near the River Great Ouse in north Bedfordshire to seek alternative accommodation amid fears of flooding tonight.

Officers said the request ‘overrides’ any coronavirus restrictions currently in place.

A local athletics stadium is to be used as an emergency Covid-safe assistance centre for those evacuated.

Bedford Borough Council has warned of ‘significant levels of floodwater expected to impact Bedford and other parts of the borough’.

Superintendent Steve Ashdown said officers had visited just over 1,300 homes in the area on Thursday evening.

He said: ‘The river is currently at heightened levels and we’re predicting a significant flooding event by 8pm this evening.

‘If you received one of those notices last night, you are in one of those properties that are most at risk from this flood.

‘We would encourage you to leave if it is safe for you to do so, as soon as you are able to do so.

‘Appreciate the timing of this at Christmas Day is not great, but the risk to you and your family and wellbeing is significant.’

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