Sightseers are blocking routes into flood-hit towns in Cumbria ia bid to get a glimpse of the devastation, police said.
Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham said Cumbria Police was facing a “major rescue operation right through the weekend”.
He said efforts could be hampered by a number of sightseers who had come into Cockermouth and Workington and were causing difficulties for the emergency services.
He said: “Coming here today, there are lots of sightseers around, and I understand it’s a very unusual event, but it’s very difficult to drive through to get to Cockermouth and Workington.
”I’d ask people who aren’t local not to come here. Everyone should keep away from drains, and keep away from bridges.
”As we’ve seen very tragically bridges are vulnerable at the moment.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here