Explosion fears as Tadcaster bridge collapses in York

Soldiers have been drafted in to evacuate homes around a storm-battered bridge after it started to collapse, prompting fears of flooding and a gas explosion.

A severe flood warning was issued for the bridge over the River Wharfe in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, with the Environment Agency warning locals to leave immediately because of a “significant risk to life”.

The 18th century bridge started to collapse into the swollen river around 5pm, with a crowd gathering as masonry fell into the swirling torrent in the town, 16km from York city.

People watching ran as a wave headed towards the bank and a strong smell of gas came from pipes left visible in the gaping hole.

Emergency services arrived quickly before soldiers were deployed to evacuate people from homes and set up a 200m cordon, saying it was “due to fears of a gas explosion”.

Police, meanwhile, have hit out at thieves who looted flooded homes in York.

Several houses were targeted into in a city street while they were submerged in dirty water, North Yorkshire Police said.

The moment a bridge in Tadcaster, Yorkshire collapses due to floods, video via Sarah Topping https://t.co/KA5wDpEj3Y https://t.co/5Dc5nwbY0Q

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) December 29, 2015

It came as a huge clear-up got under way in York as falling river levels and repairs to industrial water pumps saw many flooded streets drained of filthy water.

Acting Superintendent Mark Grange said: “It is extremely disappointing to see victims of the floods being targeted in this way.

“It is impossible to comprehend why anyone would want to bring further suffering to those who are already in a very vulnerable situation.”

Meanwhile, the chairman of Britain’s Environment Agency is returning to the UK after facing criticism for being on holiday in Barbados while the country battles some of the worst floods it has experienced in decades.

Philip Dilley’s decision to stay on the Caribbean as much of the north of England suffered through unprecedented floods on Boxing Day has been criticised by an MP from one of the stricken communities.