Six people have been rescued from their vehicles after the high tide breached the banks of the River Orwell near Ipswich.

Emergency services were called to the incident on The Strand just after 2.30pm today, Monday, February 21.

A spokesman for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said: "Three vehicles have become trapped in flood water from the River Orwell.

"Firefighters have assisted people from their vehicles using water rescue techniques.

"The floodwater is currently in the footwells but the cars are filling with water.

"We have asked the police to close the road for the duration of high tide and it will not be reopened until the tide comes down."

In addition to this incident, the fire service responded to a car that had caught fire after trying to pass through the floodwater.

Two crews of firefighters were called from Ipswich East to attend a burning Honda Jazz near Foxes Marina at 3.41pm.

One hose real jet was used to extinguish the vehicle.

No one was injured, and firefighters called a stop at 4pm.

The fire service is also asking people to avoid the area while tides are high.

Group manager Per Middleton for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to three vehicles in water so we have had fire crews, coastguard, police and ambulance here.

"When we turned up it had just reached high tide and three vehicles were stranded in the water so we deployed fire crews in and they did a check on the people in the cars and everyone is fine.

"There are no casualties or injuries.

"We escorted people out of the vehicles and there were six people in total.

"The water is now ebbed away so the road is back open but it is something to keep an eye on for local people.

"The coastguard do not believe it is going to be as bad later but people should keep an eye on tide times.

"The cars were driving and the tide just came and entered onto the roadway and I do not think it is a common thing after speaking with some people here."

A spokesman for Suffolk police said: "We were called to assist with the road closure after two cars have become stuck in water near The Strand."

The Harwich Coastguard has been sent to the scene as well as a precaution.

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