PEOPLE risk being swept away in sewage-polluted flood water if they stray into high risk areas, police warn.

Flash flood victims in Tenbury Wells have been warned about the hidden dangers of entering flood-waters.

A police spokesman said: "Flood waters can hide a number of dangers - from missing man-hole covers to contaminants such as raw sewage - and should be avoided at all costs."

Anyone forced to enter flood water on foot should wear wellingtons or water-proof waders.

Rubber gloves should also be worn when handling anything that has been in flood water following advice issued by the emergency services and the Environment Agency (EA).

Six inches of fast-flowing water can knock someone over while a 2ft depth is enough for a car to float, police warned.

Police are warning sight-seers not to be tempted to walk on bridges and river-banks affected by high-water levels.

A police spokesman added: "With the level of water and the strength of the flow in some areas it is possible that bridges and banks could be swept away without warning."

Flood victims are advised to take video footage or photographs of the damage to their homes to support insurance claims and to tell their insurance company as soon as possible.