“Another 10 days of difficult conditions” has been predicted for parts of the Midlands devastated by flooding.
There are fears Shropshire and Worcestershire, where evacuations have been taking place, will be further affected following heavy rain in Wales.
On Wednesday, barriers holding back the River Severn at Ironbridge buckled and water seeped underneath.
Meanwhile the same river overtopped defences in Bewdley, Worcestershire.
Deputy Chief Constable Julian Moss from West Mercia Police told a press conference on Wednesday evening the force anticipated its presence on the ground will “continue for the next 10 days” at least.
He said emergency crews also remain on the ground in “many places that are still flooded and have been for some time”, as more wet weather was forecast.
