There are reports of substantial damage in Stoke-on-Trent after the recent devastating rainfall and medium-strength winds. The epicentre of the heavy showers was in the densely populated area of Cobridge.
Phone lines to the town were cut off during the downpour, which was followed by two further short bursts of rain. The extent of the damage was initially unclear.
As dawn broke this morning, the toll of the rain fall started to become clearer. The first pictures show city streets strewn with litter and lots of dilapidated buildings.
Local Concillor Ken "Fish" Burgess described Cobridge as "a mess". "Sheds have collapsed, outdoor vending machines have fallen and grids are overflowing," he added.
Witnesses have reported fighting on the streets, but no sign of any significant relief effort so far. The Red Cross has warned of difficulties in providing emergency aid because of tailbacks on the M6.
The civilian head of the United Nations was told about Stoke and is said to be "appalled". In Washington DC, President Obama has been shown photographs of Cobridge. He gave "unconditional support" to the people of Cobridge for what he called the "cruel and incomprehensible conditions in which they are forced to live".
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