Storm Desmond: Body found in Kendal floodwater

Emergency services were alerted to a possible sighting of an elderly man falling into the River Kent

A rescue team helps to evacuate people from their homes after Storm Desmond caused flooding in Carlisle. Storm Desmond has brought severe disruption to areas of northern England as dozens of flood warnings remain in place

A body, thought to have fallen into floodwater during the damaging floods caused by Storm Desmond, has been found following a police search.

Emergency services were alerted to a possible sighting of an elderly man falling into the River Kent at Staveley Road in Kendal on Sunday.

Cumbria Police, who have linked the incident to the recent floods, said: "A body has been found in the search of the River Kent, Kendal.

"Police were called at 10.01am yesterday (December 6th) to reports than an elderly man had fallen in the water.

"Officers, along with the Underwater Search Team, are working to recover the body which has been located in the Kendal area.

"There is no further information at this time."

Yesterday a pedestrian was killed as Storm Desmond unleashed 90mph winds upon Britain.

Hundreds of people have been made homeless and thousands more left without power by Storm Desmond, which is thought to have broken the rainfall record set in 2009.

There are currently 47 severe flood warnings in place for Kendal, Keswick, Cockermouth, Carlisle and Appleby.